Bhubaneswar: A celebratory air will envelope the capital city on Sunday with nearly 500 marriages and receptions expected to take place, according to conservative estimates by wedding planners. All roads will lead to wedding venues, as families and friends gear up for grand celebrations of love and union.
Starting from pre-wedding photoshoots to social media coverage, to a series of events like ‘haldi', ‘mehendi' and ‘sangeet', weddings in Odia households are becoming grand affairs with budgets ranging from Rs 10 lakh to around Rs 1 crore, depending on the extravaganza.
"My daughter wanted to make her wedding special in all possible ways. If by spending extra money I could make her special day memorable and full of memories, I think it's worth it," said a parent.
With 21 auspicious wedding days between Nov 15 and Dec 15, thousands of marriages were solemnised during the period. "We have three weddings to attend on Sunday, and all are important. We were surprised by the huge number of wedding invitations in the last month. About a decade ago, Odia weddings were two to four-day affairs. Nowadays weddings stretch at least five to six days with multiple functions," said Lita Nayak, an IT professional.
Influenced by social media platforms, weddings have become innovative and stylish, including new events like bridal entry and ‘jaimala', which were not part of Odia culture and tradition. Social media platforms are buzzing with announcements, reels and pre-wedding photoshoots. From candid moments captured during the sangeet to elaborate videos showcasing the bride and groom, social media has added a new dimension to the experience. "People want everything to look perfect on social media. We are often booked months in advance. Themes like royal, Boho chic and floral are trending this season," said Sushant Nayak, a wedding photographer.
Wedding boom is also a windfall for local businesses, including florists, caterers and decorators. Banquet halls and venues are booked months in advance, while farmhouses are being booked for smaller events like bachelor parties, which were not a culture in Odisha. "People are opting for grandeur in every aspect, from pre-wedding shoots in exotic locations to innovative themes for the haldi and mehendi ceremonies to grand entry of brides and jaimala. With innovative stage designs, cracker shows, live music and social media posts, customers want it all. We are providing solutions to people as per their budget and taste," said Guru Charan Das, a prominent wedding planner and banquet hall owner. He said, in the last month, his banquet hall hosted 45 wedding events.
Despite the extravagance, traditional rituals continue to hold their charm. "While families are adopting contemporary styles for decor and entertainment, the rituals remain sacred and significant," said Jagannath Rath, a priest officiating five weddings this Sunday.
New-age couples are also adding personal touches to ceremonies. "My fiancé and I planned a mehendi party that celebrates Odia culture with local cuisine and folk performances," said bride-to-be Shruti Das.
With Poush month beginning on Dec 16, giving a month's break to weddings till Jan 15, Sunday traffic is expected to be a challenge as wedding venues across the city, from five-star hotels to banquet halls, brace for heavy footfall. "We have identified hotspots where multiple weddings are scheduled. Additional traffic personnel will be deployed. We request people to cooperate," said a senior police officer.