Grooms these days are arriving with just a handful of baratis, all wearing masks while the brides’ families are no more greeting them with garlands but with sanitisers in hands
ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
Bhubaneswar: Marriage, since ages, has been considered as one of life’s most memorable events. Reason: It is believed to be a union of two souls. Therefore, the occasion is incomplete without loud music, elaborate food menu, colourful decorations and of course processions that are attended by hundreds of guests.
However, the outbreak of novel coronavirus has compelled people to have simpler nuptials. The groom these days is arriving with just a handful of baratis, all wearing masks while the bride’s family is no more greeting them with garlands but with sanitisers in hands. The pandemic has certainly created an unprecedented situation. So much so, that a newlywed couple in Sundargarh shunned Hataganthi, one of the most important rituals of a Hindu wedding.
The offers from the wedding planners have also been changed with things like ‘Thermal Screening for Guests’, ‘Mandatory Hand Washing Stations’, ‘Hand Sanitizers’ and ‘Special N95 Masks for guests’ are being added to the existing facilities.
A few girls who tied the knot during the lockdown shares their experience with OrissaPOST.
Pooja Mishra, a famous model who has also represented the state in Femina Miss India contest got married June 29. She was all set to take the vow in April and the date was finalised much before COVID-19 turned a pandemic, says Pooja.
“However, it got delayed like other social events. Finally, we managed to do it with limited people in attendance. We could invite a very few guests. My cousins and some close friends also couldn’t make it to the marriage due to travel restrictions. Hopefully, things will turn normal in next couple of months when we can arrange a proper reception.”
There are no prizes for guessing about her wedding wardrobe. With her regular bridal attire like saree and gold jewellery, she had to wear a few designer masks to make the occasion memorable to some extent.
Banker Sasmita Sahoo who also got hitched during the lockdown period says, “We had enough masks, gloves and bottles of hand sanitiser ready for our invitees to ensure safety but the turnout was thin in my marriage. Many didn’t dare to come out of their homes. Expectedly, neither there bands nor musical programmes on the occasion.”
Nearly 30 guests attended the wedding ceremony of Physician Khusboo Arora , who took the sacred vow June 19. But she is more than happy. “I have no complaint about the number of guests attended my marriage. Being a doctor, I understand the situation more than anyone else which is why we took all precautions to keep the number of attendees on a hold,” says Khusboo.
“The pandemic can’t stop life. There is a need to move on against all odds instead of complaining which will make us victorious in the long run,” she adds.
Subham Mishra, a wedding photographer from the city, says, “The pandemic has badly affected our profession. Earlier, apart from the D-Day clicks, we used to have shoots during pre-wedding events, receptions and other ceremonies which is not happening now.”
