What Is Wazwan? The Grand Kashmiri Wedding Feast

No Kashmiri wedding is complete without Wazwan — the grand multi-course feast that guests remember long after the celebration ends. It's not just a meal; it's a centuries-old culinary art and a point of family pride.

What is Wazwan?

Wazwan is a traditional multi-course banquet in Kashmiri cuisine, prepared for weddings and big celebrations. A formal Wazwan can run to dozens of dishes — most of them meat — cooked over hours and served with great ceremony. It reflects generosity, hospitality, and respect for the guest.

The Waza — master of the feast

Wazwan is prepared by a Waza, a master chef whose craft is often passed down through generations. The head chef, the Vasta Waza, leads a team through the night to prepare the feast. The most sought-after Wazas are booked months in advance, so families secure them early.

Signature dishes

A traditional Wazwan showcases the depth of Kashmiri cooking. Highlights include:

• Rogan Josh — aromatic lamb in a rich, red gravy
• Rista — tender meatballs in a fiery red sauce
• Gushtaba — velvety meatballs in a yoghurt gravy, traditionally the final dish
• Tabak Maaz — crisp, twice-cooked lamb ribs
• Rogan Josh, Aab Gosht, Marchwangan Korma and many more, alongside rice

How Wazwan is served

Guests traditionally share a trami — a large copper platter — in groups of four, eating together in a gesture of community. Courses arrive in a set order, ending with Gushtaba, which signals the meal is complete.

Booking your Wazwan

Because the Waza is the heart of the wedding meal, choosing well matters. See our guide on how to choose the right wedding caterer in Kashmir, or browse trusted caterers and vendors on the Dawat Book marketplace. And as gifts arrive through the celebration, record them in your Wartaav so you can reciprocate later.