Srinagar: Kashmir’s traditional chefs, popularly known as Wazas, have decided not to serve food at weddings and other social functions beyond 10 pm, citing prolonged working hours due to delays in ceremonies and dinner schedules.
The decision was unanimously adopted at a meeting of the Waza Association held at Rajouri Kadal, Srinagar, on November 10, which was attended by hundreds of members of the traditional culinary community.
As per the resolution, no food will be served after 10 pm, irrespective of the occasion. Assistants and other staff engaged by Wazas will also be free to leave if hosts or organisers delay functions beyond the stipulated deadline.
Association president Ghulam Nabi Baba, Ghulam Hassan and other members endorsed the decision, expressing concern over the growing practice of delaying wedding ceremonies and dinner arrangements.
Members said that even Nikah ceremonies scheduled for 10 pm are often delayed until 1.30 am or later, while in some cases dinner is served only after Fajr prayers, forcing catering teams to work throughout the night.
The deadline will apply to weddings, engagements, Nikah ceremonies, Phir Sal, seventh-day functions and other social gatherings.
The association said hosts and organisers must ensure that ceremonies and dinner arrangements are completed on time, adding that the responsibility for delays should not fall on chefs and their assistants.
It also stressed the need to provide basic facilities, including proper bedding and other amenities, to workers engaged at social functions.
Wazwan, Kashmir’s traditional multi-course feast, is an integral part of weddings and other important occasions in the Valley and involves extensive preparation by specialised chefs and their teams.
The association said the decision was aimed at protecting the dignity and working conditions of Wazas and their staff while ensuring that Kashmir’s hospitality tradition does not come at the cost of indefinite working hours.
Kashmir Wazas Set 10 pm Deadline for Serving Food at Functions
