Association cites prolonged waiting hours, delayed baraats and late-night feasts as major concerns; wider meeting of Waza representatives from across J&K scheduled
Srinagar, Nov 11 (JKNS): Kashmir’s traditional Wazwan preparations and wedding feast arrangements are set to undergo a new system of regulation, with the Kashmiri Waza Association announcing fixed meal timings and a proposed agreement between chefs and host families to ensure punctuality during marriage functions.
Under the proposed arrangement, wedding lunch will have to be served by 3 PM, while dinner must conclude by 10 PM. The association has also decided that Wazas and host families will sign an agreement, followed by an affidavit, before finalising arrangements for wedding catering.
Association President Ghulam Nabi Waza told news agency JKNS that the decision was taken in view of the difficulties faced by chefs due to delayed arrival of grooms, baraats and guests, which often results in meals being served late into the night.
He said Wazas begin their work early in the morning and spend several hours preparing the traditional multi-course Wazwan. However, delays in wedding schedules leave chefs waiting for extended periods even after completing the preparations, making the profession increasingly challenging.
Nabi appealed to families to maintain the announced schedule and ensure that baraats and guests reach wedding venues on time so that food is served without unnecessary delays.
The decision follows a meeting of Wazas held on Tuesday, attended by chefs from Srinagar district, where the participants unanimously agreed to introduce a formal understanding between the catering chefs and host families.
As part of the arrangement, both parties will agree on the timings and other terms and conditions before the Waza accepts the wedding catering assignment. An affidavit will subsequently be prepared and signed to ensure adherence to the agreed schedule.
The association said the proposed system is aimed at bringing discipline to wedding feast arrangements while addressing the professional difficulties faced by Wazas. The new arrangement is expected to be implemented from the next wedding season.
The association is also planning another meeting within the next few days, which will bring together Waza representatives and chiefs from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir to discuss the proposal and its implementation across the Union Territory.
Highlighting the challenges confronting the traditional profession, a Waza said the demanding nature of the work and long working hours have also affected the interest of younger generations in pursuing the craft.
He said Wazwan preparation was traditionally a family profession, with sons learning the skills from their fathers and carrying forward the culinary legacy. However, changing career preferences and the demand for more regular working hours have made it difficult to attract young people towards the profession.
Meanwhile, locals have welcomed the association’s decision, saying delayed meal timings have become a common feature of Kashmiri weddings despite the timings mentioned on invitation cards.
A local resident, Sahil, said wedding invitations often mention lunch timings of 2 PM or 2:30 PM, but meals are frequently served as late as 4 PM or 5 PM. He expressed hope that the new arrangement would bring a change in the prevailing practice.
The association has urged both wedding hosts and guests to cooperate, maintaining that timely arrangements would benefit families, invitees and the Wazas while helping preserve Kashmir’s centuries-old Wazwan tradition. (JKNS)
