Kashmiri wazas set deadlines for wedding meals citing lack of sleep, long working hours

Srinagar Weddings in Kashmir will face a rare challenge after wazas (chefs) have decided to set deadlines for dinner and lunch “to push for discipline in marriage functions”. In frames | Feast of feasts https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir/in-frames-feast-of-feasts/article70232011.ece Wazas are chefs who have mastered the art of cooking delicacies for wazwan — an array of special dishes. They are in high demand during the wedding season.

The Kashmiri Waza Association on Wednesday (November 11, 2026) cited a lack of sleep and inhuman working conditions as the primary reasons for setting these deadlines. “We face a lot of hardships due to delays in dinner, especially during baraat [groom] functions, which often start as late as 12 a.m. or 1 a.m.

After serving food, wazas get very little sleep. Hosts often provide us with inhuman settings and bedding to sleep. Late-night dinners are taxing for the community,” said Ghulam Nabi Waza, who heads the association.