Ongoing Farmer Protests Disrupt Wedding Plans Across Region

EE News Desk Feb 14, 2024

As per media reports, the ongoing farmer protests have not only caused disruptions in the daily routines of hundreds of thousands of commuters but have also cast a shadow over marriage ceremonies in the region. Numerous wedding processions, particularly those involving baratis from Delhi or headed to the National Capital Region (NCR), are facing challenges as the borders are sealed. Tensions escalated at the Shambhu border after police personnel fired tear gas shells at farmers marching towards Delhi.

The period around Basant Panchami holds special significance for marriages, and the region typically witnesses numerous ceremonies. It is estimated that almost 2,000 weddings are scheduled across the state until the weekend. Unfortunately, the wedding ceremony of Puja from Ludhiana and Rahul from Delhi (names changed) at a resort near Phagwara had to be called off. The groom's family and relatives were stranded in heavy traffic on NH-44 while en route to Punjab.

The father of the groom expressed that with valuable jewellery and cash intended for the wedding in their possession, witnessing the situation escalate and the vehicle queue growing longer, they made the decision to turn back and cancel the wedding.

"We've already provided an advance to the resort owner and invested over Rs 1 lakh in decorations. I'm uncertain if the marriage palace owner will refund the money. While the financial loss is a secondary concern, the cancellation of the wedding has dampened the festive spirits for everyone. The bride is disheartened by the news. Discussions are ongoing with the groom's family, and we may opt for a simple wedding in Delhi next week," shared the bride's uncle.

Rohish Sharma, en route from Patiala to a wedding in Delhi, had to cancel his plans due to the ongoing farmer protest. He mentioned that he heard about extensive traffic jams on the highways to Delhi due to the protest. He considered catching a flight from Mohali, but the airfares have doubled.

NRIs visiting or returning abroad are also facing difficulties. Sharma, currently in Ludhiana from Canada for a wedding ceremony stated that he had a scheduled return flight on 18 February. However, considering the present situation, he might need to cancel the ticket and consider heading back once the situation stabilises.

Sukhdev Singh Sidhu, president of the Punjab Marriage Palace and Resort Association, currently in Dubai, mentioned that inquiries about the ongoing situation have begun to surface.