(Dr. Pankaj Bhardwaj-Vinayak Features)
In Indian society, marriage is not just the union of two individuals, but the confluence of two families and cultures. It is a social ritual, characterized by love, belonging, tradition, and a sense of togetherness. However, with changing times, the nature of wedding ceremonies has undergone a significant transformation. Today, weddings are becoming less of a social celebration and more of a platform for display.
There was a time when wedding ceremonies were filled with simplicity and intimacy. A limited number of guests were invited: neighbors, close relatives, and those with whom one had practical relationships. In villages and towns, marriage meant collective cooperation. Relatives would arrive days in advance, the courtyard would be bustling with activity, women would sing auspicious songs, and men would help with the arrangements. Food was served on leaves, and people would eat in rows on the floor, and every bite was accompanied by a sense of intimacy.
Today, the landscape has changed. Invitations are sent to thousands of guests. With lavish banquet halls, luxurious resorts, expensive floral arrangements, lighting, and DJ music, weddings have become a dazzling affair. Catering companies serve dozens of dishes, many of which are unrecognizable. But amidst all this splendor, what’s most missing is a sense of warm hospitality.
It’s often seen that the hosts themselves are busy on stage, and the guests simply leave after completing the formalities. There’s no time to sit down and inquire about each other’s well-being, nor the opportunity for intimate conversation. Relatives’ long stays have virtually ceased. Weddings have become a one- or two-day affair, where ostentation is more evident than intimacy.
The social impact of this increasing extravagance is also worrying. Even middle-class and economically disadvantaged families are forced to organize lavish events under social pressure. Borrowing money for weddings, incurring unnecessary expenses solely to preserve reputation, gives rise to unfair competition in society. This trend not only increases economic imbalance but also reduces a sacred ritual like marriage to mere superficial pomp and show.
The question to ponder is: is the success of a wedding determined by its decorations, the number of dishes, or the number of guests? Or should it be measured by intimacy, family cooperation, and simplicity? If we understand the core spirit of our traditions, we will find that the beauty of marriage lies in its simplicity and intimacy.
The need of the hour is for society to introspect in this direction. We must break away from this race of show-off and revive the tradition of simple, dignified, and intimate marriages. Limited guests, warm hospitality, traditional customs, and collective cooperation are the elements that make a wedding truly memorable.
Marriage is a celebration, not a competition; it is a ritual, not a display. If we can re-establish this fundamental spirit, not only will unnecessary extravagance be curbed, but it will also strengthen intimacy and balance in society. (Vinayak Features)
