Srinagar, Nov 12: Seeking an end to prolonged working hours at wedding functions, Kashmir’s traditional chefs, locally known as wazas, have proposed fixed timings for serving meals, asking families to conclude lunch by 3 pm and dinner by 10 pm.
The Waza Association has also proposed making families sign an agreement, followed by an affidavit, before hiring chefs for wedding feasts to ensure adherence to the prescribed schedule.
Association president Ghulam Nabi said the move follows years of difficulties faced by chefs due to delayed arrivals of grooms and guests, which often leave them waiting for hours despite completing preparations well in advance.
“Late arrival of the groom and guests and dinner stretching late into the night has made our work extremely difficult,” he said.
Nabi said wazas begin work early in the morning and spend several hours preparing the traditional multi-course Wazwan. However, delays in wedding ceremonies and the arrival of guests disrupt their schedules and make it difficult for them to maintain proper working hours.
He appealed to families to ensure that baraats and guests arrive on time and marriage functions follow the schedule mentioned on invitation cards.
The decision was taken at a meeting of wazas from Srinagar district on Tuesday, where members unanimously agreed that the chef and the host family should enter into a formal agreement specifying meal timings and other conditions before finalising a wedding contract.
Under the proposed arrangement, an affidavit would be prepared and signed by both parties before a chef accepts the catering assignment. The association said the new system would be implemented from the next wedding season.
Another waza said the demanding nature of the profession, which involves long working hours and years of training, has also made it difficult to attract younger people.
“Earlier, boys would learn the craft from their fathers and continue the family profession. Today, many want different careers and more regular working hours,” he said.
The association is expected to hold another meeting within the next few days, with waza chiefs from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir likely to participate.
The proposal has also found support among some residents, who say delays in serving wedding meals have become common despite timings being mentioned on invitation cards.
A local resident, Sahil, welcomed the initiative and said families should follow the timings they announce.
“In Kashmir, we have seen 2–2:30 pm written on invitation cards, but the meal is served at 4–5 pm, which should change,” he said.
The association has appealed to families to cooperate with the proposed arrangement, saying punctuality would make wedding functions more convenient for hosts, guests and the chefs preparing the traditional feast.
