Prayagraj: Atul and Aditi were enthusiastically giving final touches to arrangements for their April 26 wedding, but were gradually gripped by anxiety as Covid-19 second wave brought new restrictions, and are now even mulling whether to reschedule it to November.
The imposition of night curfew and other curbs have upset many wedding plans.
The wedding season is going to start from April 22, and though night curfew has been imposed till April 20, but surge in cases is so big that the restrictions are likely to continue.
Since there are just a few auspicious dates for weddings in April and May, many families are now in a fix.
Atul, who had booked complete package of band, baja and baraat of a banquet hall is upset as the venue owner has now asked them to conclude all ceremonies by 8.30pm if night curfew is extended and restrict the number of guests.
“The night curfew has shattered our plans. My family is thinking whether to scale down the wedding or reschedule it in November,” he said.
The owners of tent houses, caterers, decorators, florists and other service providers are also worried as they see their earnings getting hit.
R K Tiwari told TOI he had made all arrangements for his daughter’s wedding in old city area. “Now, both families are planning to invite limited guests and scaling down the preparations,” said Tiwari, adding, “We will not extend marriage date, but it will be a low-key affair.”
The pandemic has played a spoilsport, but we still hope the ceremonies take place peacefully as scheduled, he added.
Meanwhile, Prayagraj SP Dinesh Kumar Singh has asked guest house and marriage pandal owners to strictly follow all guidelines. He said gathering of not more than 50 is allowed in closed venues and maximum 100 guests can attend event in the open. Besides, the function should be over before 9pm.
Prem Singh, manager of a banquet hall, said night curfew will hit business.
“We have individually informed all those who had booked the venue about the restrictions imposed by administration. All the people have to redraw their plans and have sought some time for taking a decision,” said Singh.
Some families are mulling ‘day wedding’ now to avoid chaos and hurry to wrap up everything by 9pm. Parul and Abhishek, who are tying the knot on April 28, have almost decided in favour of a day wedding instead of a night gala.
“What can we do in such circumstances? We don’t have options. The administration is doing its job as cases are rising. New restrictions are being added every other day, so our families are opting for a day wedding,” said Abhishek.