Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Oct 28: During the last seven months during which coronavirus infection ruled the roost, marriages had taken the backseat, and marriages took place selectively because of restrictions imposed on them. In November, a long line of marriages is waiting to happen. It is learnt that the city will witness over 200 marriages during November alone.

Certain COVID19 rules have been relaxed now and as per the present guidelines, up to a hundred guests can take part in marriages. In India, marriages have always been ceremonies of pomp and show with the presence of thousands of guests displaying the best of saris and jewellery. The coming marriages will be subdued as compared to the earlier ones, but the families cannot wait for too long to perform marriages of their children.

As April and May months coincide with summer holidays, normally most of the marriages in coastal Karnataka happened during these months every year. However, because of the pandemic this time, only a handful of marriages were held during these months that too under compelling circumstances in the presence of a few guests. As per Hindu calendar, after April and May, auspicious marriage muhurats are available in November and December. Expecting the restrictions to ease, marriage halls were fixed in advance for these months. Most of the halls are either booked are being booked now for the marriages.

After the coronavirus infection struck, many offers have come into vogue like discount in hall rent, integrated contract for a fixed sum including hall rent, food for limited guests, decoration, photos, videos and other arrangements as well as combo offers. Several businesses including Shamiyana, catering, taxis, fruits and vegetables etc are looking forward to conducting some brisk business after several months of dull season.

Caterers say that with the number of guests limited to a hundred, people who are accustomed to conducting lavish marriage functions, are seeking to serve more dishes to the guests. Dakshina Kannada District Catering Association honorary president, Sudhakar Kamath, said that marriage functions are on the way and during November alone, catering services for over 200 marriage functions in the city have been booked in advance.