“Wazwan is a cherished symbol of Kashmiri culture and hospitality, but the emerging trend of fashioning meat into unconventional shapes for show threatens to turn this tradition into an unethical competition that undermines its original values.”
Dr. Firdous A Reshi
Kashmiri Wazwan is not just a collection of food items; it is an important part of the culture, hospitality and social life of Kashmir. For generations, Wazwan has been a symbol of respect, love and generosity towards guests. A Kashmiri wedding is often remembered for its Wazwan, where people sit together, share food and celebrate happiness. However, every tradition should remain within the limits of dignity, simplicity and good values. In recent times, a new trend has started appearing at some Kashmiri marriages, where meat is prepared in different unethical shapes and designs mainly to attract attention and impress guests. This may look attractive to some people, but if such a practice becomes anunethical competition, it can slowly change the real meaning of Wazwan. The question is not whether food can be presented beautifully, but whether our weddings are becoming places of display and competition. Islam allows people to enjoy good and lawful food, but it teaches us to avoid waste, extravagance and showing off. The Holy Qur’an says, “Eat and drink, but do not be excessive. Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess.” (Qur’an 7:31). This message is especially important in our society, where many families feel pressure to spend more simply because others are doing the same. Weddings should not become a burden on poor and middle-class families. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also encouraged moderation in eating. He said that a person should not fill his stomach excessively and advised that a portion should be kept for food, a portion for drink and a portion for breathing (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2380). The same spirit of moderation should guide our wedding feasts. The new practice of making different shapes from meat also raises a question about respect for food. Meat is not an ordinary decorative material; it comes from an animal that has been sacrificed for human consumption.
“Wazwan’s value lies in its taste, hospitality, and cultural heritage, not in lavish or ostentatious food displays. While creative presentation is not inherently wrong, using food for extravagance, competition, or pride contradicts Islamic principles of simplicity and restraint. Society—including religious leaders, families, and cooks—must preserve the dignity of Kashmiri wedding traditions by prioritizing love and righteousness over wasteful display.”
Islam teaches kindness and excellence even in the treatment of animals. The Prophet (SAW) said that Allah has prescribed excellence in everything and taught Muslims to perform slaughter properly and avoid unnecessary suffering (Sahih Muslim 1955). Therefore, using meat only as a decorative object for entertainment or competition does not reflect the spirit of simplicity and respect that Islam teaches. However, it would be unfair to say that every creative presentation of food is automatically immoral. The real problem begins when such practices are linked with waste, extravagance, pride, competition or the desire to show wealth. Kashmir has a rich and beautiful Wazwan tradition that does not need unnecessary changes to prove its value. The beauty of Wazwan lies in its taste, skill, hospitality and the love with which it is served. We should not allow a healthy cultural tradition to become a race of “who can display more.” Our elders, religious scholars, Wazwan cooks and families have a responsibility to guide society towards balance. A wedding should bring happiness and blessings, not pressure and competition. The Qur’an reminds us that true honour does not come from wealth or outward display but from righteousness and God-consciousness (Qur’an 49:13). Let us therefore preserve the beauty of Kashmiri Wazwan while protecting its dignity. Tradition should serve society, not turn into an exhibition. Our weddings should be remembered for love, hospitality and blessings—not merely for the unusual shapes placed on the wedding plate.
