COVID pandemic casts curtains on Kashmir's gala weddings

Mudassir Yaqoob of Srinagar said that his marriage was scheduled in August last year but due to abrogation of Article 370, the situation in Kashmir became worse so he postponed his marriage. In March 2020, he again had to postpone it because of the COVID-19. But later in August 2020, after acquiring permission from the administration he performed his marriage.

Srinagar: Mudassir Yaqoob of Srinagar had planned his gala wedding on the day when his marriage was proposed with her bride. His wedding date was fixed for August last year but the abrogation of Article 370 by the BJP-led government forced him to postpone it to March. And in March COVID pandemic lockdown compelled him again to reschedule the time.

In all this period, Mudassir's longing for the most precious and happy occasion turned painful for him. The 25-year-old groom had never thought that he would have to seek permission from the government for the guestlist.

"Our marriage was scheduled in August last year but due to abrogation of Article 370, the situation in Kashmir became worse so we postponed our marriage. In March this year we again had to postpone it because of the COVID-19."

Marriages in Kashmir are celebrated with much pomp and show. The groom and bride long for the wedding day as drought waits for the rainfall. Guestlist is prepared weeks before and a multi-cuisine dish, famously called Wazwan, is served to them on copper plates in a big hall. The groom and bride are adored with fancy suits.

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In Kashmir, marriage season usually begins in March after the six-month winter chill is replaced by the first spring light. However, this year the pandemic and the new SOPs have cut its size and brought down the traditional flavour.

The new norms, which have been set in place, restrict the number of guests between 30 and 50— depending on the classification of zones. And any violation by the citizens sees them being booked by the police invoking Epidemic Act.

Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary, said that the wedding ceremonies would require prior permission and social-distancing would be mandatory.

The spread of COVID-19 viral infection impacted life and businesses in the Kashmir region where 41560 people have been infected so far and 778 deaths.

The SOPs which have to be followed changed the idea of wedding ceremonies in Kashmir, where such occasions are rare coming together of extended families and friends for several days of feasting.

Mudassir said: "In August this year, after acquiring permission from the administration we performed our marriage. We followed all the SOPs regarding COVID 19. We couldn't invite our relatives to avoid gatherings."

The wedding ceremonies play an important role in building the economic structure of the region as they allow large scale spending among different sectors which include chefs and decorates.

Mudassir said they learnt a lot from this pandemic. "From this pandemic, we got a benefit of performing simple marriage. There is pretty much less wastage of food during big gatherings. It also saves money".