A variety of food dishes prepared with chicken as a major ingredient occupy a prominent place in any marriage bash these days, The Hindu reports. For instance starters like chicken rolls and kebabs are a must in addition to three to four different varieties of dry and wet chicken dishes.

People who hosted parties in the last two months had to shell out huge extra money due to the increased chicken prices. Two months ago prices quoted were around Rs. 50 a kg but now a kg of live chicken is priced between Rs. 90 and Rs. 100.

A family extending an invite to around 1,500 people have to literally shell out anywhere between Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 25,000 more due to increased chicken prices. Generally, four to six quintals of chicken is required for a gathering of 1,500 members.

Asif Shareef, who organised his brother's reception recently said, “With no alternative and family members reluctant against change in menu we had to spend around Rs. 30,000 more than we budgeted.”

The catering industry is also in a piquant situation. Most of the families are now outsourcing the job of arranging food to caterers to avoid hassles.

Mohd. Rabbani, proprietor of Shah Ghouse hotel, which also undertakes catering orders says, “Many of the catering agencies have hiked the rates due to increased price of chicken. There is no other alternative”, he says.

“Accepting orders for small gatherings is no longer profitable. We are careful in accepting orders,” says Mohd. Mujeeb of Armaan Caterers.

However, some customers are reluctant to part with the money and try to cash on the stiff competition amongst the caterers.

“Customers are bargaining a lot, but somehow we are trying to tide over the crisis,” says Syed Waseem Salefi of A1 Tawakkal catering.