There was a time when a wedding invitation carried a fairly simple promise: Lunch will be served at 2 PM.
Today, that sentence has acquired an entirely new meaning.
In Kashmir, 2 PM appears to have become a flexible concept—sometimes stretching comfortably to 5 PM or even 6 PM. By the time lunch is finally announced, guests who arrived on time have already completed several rounds of tea, conversation and patience!
Every second day, we attend a marriage ceremony where the guests are politely informed that lunch will be served at 2 PM. Most of us arrive accordingly, only to discover that the real schedule is governed by a mysterious wedding clock whose hands move at their own pace.
Of course, weddings are occasions of happiness, celebration and hospitality. The hosts have numerous responsibilities, and preparing a traditional Kashmiri feast is no small task. The Waza, in particular, deserves appreciation for preserving our rich culinary tradition.
But perhaps it is time to introduce one more tradition into our weddings: punctuality.
Our friends from Bihar and other parts of the country have become an important and valued part of our workforce. They contribute to agriculture, construction, skilled and unskilled work and several other sectors. So, in the spirit of good humour, perhaps we should seek their help in solving our wedding-time dilemma as well!
Why not have an experienced “Wedding Time Management Team” accompany the Wartav and Gulmuth to the host, carrying just one important message:
“Please ensure that lunch is served at 2 PM—no extensions, Kashmiri or otherwise!”
The idea is, of course, entirely tongue-in-cheek. The real solution lies not with any particular community, but with us—the hosts, caterers, families and guests—developing a culture of respecting time.
After all, when an invitation says 2 PM, perhaps 2 PM should actually mean 2 PM.
Guests would be happier, elderly people would be more comfortable, children would be less restless, and nobody would have to pretend that a 5 PM lunch is still technically “lunch.”
Our weddings are famous for warmth, hospitality, food and tradition. Let us add one more thing to that list:
Punctuality.
Because there is nothing wrong with enjoying a magnificent Kashmiri feast.
The only problem is waiting three hours for it.
(The Author is a retired KAS officer)
