Kashmiri wedding chefs to stop serving meals after 10 pm
The Kashmir Waza (Chefs) Association has decided to fix specific timings for wedding feasts to prevent meals being served after midnight.
Traditional chefs, known as Wazas, in Srinagar decided on Tuesday to set strict timings for serving wedding feasts. According to The Indian Express, the chefs warned they will not serve lunch or dinner if stipulated times are not followed.
Ghulam Nabi Baba, President of the Kashmir Waza (Chefs) Association, said the decision aims to benefit hosts, guests, and the chefs. He stated that some wedding feasts have been served as late as the break of dawn.
Baba said the association wants lunch to be served by 2 pm for men and 3 pm for women at the latest. He also said the reception for the groom should be finished by 10 pm.
The chefs are preparing an agreement and will seek a written undertaking from hosts to ensure the 10 pm deadline is met. Baba said if guests arrive late, the chefs will leave without serving them, leaving the responsibility to the hosts.
The timing restrictions will apply to engagement ceremonies and other marriage-related functions as well. Wazwan, the traditional multi-course non-vegetarian meal, is a central part of marriage celebrations in Kashmir.