Srinagar, Sep 13 (UNI) With just two weeks left for Ramazan, likely to begin on September 25, the Kashmiri chefs are in great demand with an average of five hundred marriages taking place everyday.

The chefs are now reportedly charging exorbitant rates for preparing the world-famous non-vegetarian Wazwaan (Kashmiri cuisine) for the guests.

Earlier, majority of the marriage ceremonies were cancelled due to floods in the Valley as heavy rains played villain to the prospective brides and grooms.

However, the downpour came as a blessing in disguise for the chefs who are making the most of the situation.

The chefs are charging between Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 for preparing one quintal of meat.

About three quintals to ten quintals of meat and chicken, besides other vegetables and rice, are being prepared for a single marriage ceremoney, depending upon the family's status.

The coalition government had introduced guest control in the state in 2003. However, the government succumbed to pressure from traders dealing with the items needed for conducting marriage ceremonies. But, people across the state had welcomed the government's move.

UNI BAS KD MSJ RK1424