Simpler marriage ceremonies held even during curfew in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 27 (UNI) More than 200 marriage ceremonies were conducted, even during the curfew restrictions, in the Srinagar district alone during the past 24 hours.

The number in the rural and far flung areas was more than 1000 as there are less than four days left before the start of the holy month of Ramzan, when almost all social functions come to end.

However, before August 24 when the indefinite curfew was imposed, hundreds of marriages were being conducted daily in the Kashmir Valley.

Official sources told UNI that Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, K Asfandyar Khan, had issued curfew passes for conducting more than 200 marriage ceremonies in different parts of the district during the past 24 hours.

The curfew passes were issued to bridegroom, bride and their close relatives for attending these ceremonies in police protection.

Since the holy month was just four days away, people want to conduct marriage ceremonies before its start, sources said.

Generally, marriage ceremonies are not performed in Kashmir in the holy month of Ramzan, which is to start from September first, subject to the appearance of the moon.

However, curfew, strike and the alleged economic blockade actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the people of Kashmir who are now holding marriage ceremonies in a simple manner.

For the past about one month, people are giving advertisements in almost all local English and Urdu dailies, informing relatives and friends about the cancellation of big feasts on the marriages of their sons and daughters.

Because of the unpredictable situation, majority of the people are now preparing just a few kg of meat on the occasion instead of quintals. However, local vegetables are still in demand.

Marriages were conducted in local mosques and those present were treated with dry dates and sweets.

People in general, appreciated the move and demanded that the same should continue in future.

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