Pune: The coronavirus lockdown imposed by the central and state government to control the outbreak of the pandemic has impacted every sector right from education to hospitality. The lockdown has also brought down the 'official wedlock' registration number to just 12 per cent in the 'peak season' of May. 

The marriage registration offices in Pune region were closed from April 1 to May 18; as a result, no marriage registrations were recorded during this period. The lockdown was imposed in the last week of March, so it had relatively less impact on marriage registrations for that month. Marriage registrations recorded were recorded 38 per cent less as compared to the earlier year for the same period. 

After May 18, the offices started functioning again, and the number of registrations jumped by 12 per cent only. In June, every day on an average three to four registrations have happened at the offices. Earlier in February month, since the government had announced five day week, the registration numbers had come down a bit. 

There were four important 'muhurat' in April, but those could not be utilised. Since the marriage registration process requires three witnesses along with the bride and groom, it became difficult for many to travel especially if it was inter-district travel. Many couples have preferred to perform the marriage ceremony traditionally and do the registration part later.

Bhalchandra Pol, Marriage Registration Officer, Pune, said, "Due to lockdown, bride and grooms have postponed their wedding and marriage registration. Lockdown restrictions had compelled either the bride or bridegroom to stay at their home as the inter-district travel was banned for unessential activities. Now the marriage 'muhurat' season has ended. It will revive only during Diwali, and the number of marriage registrations will increase."