Bandipora, June 10 : As the wedding season begins in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district’s Gurez Valley, a remarkable transformation occurs, shifting the narrative from the harrowing sounds of shells to the joyful music of weddings.
Locals have been experiencing a newfound sense of peace and security since the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan went into effect in February 2020, allowing them to celebrate weddings with renewed vigour and traditional splendour.
Prior to the ceasefire agreement, the valley’s residents lived in constant fear, not knowing when the next shell would disrupt their lives and devastate the peace of their celebrations. As a result, weddings were held quietly, without the usual fanfare, because families were afraid of attracting unwanted attention in such a volatile environment.
However, with the guns now silenced and peace reigning, the valley is filled with joy and relief. The wedding season has regained its vibrancy, reverberating with laughter, music, and the vibrant hues of celebration. Families are reviving age-old customs and traditions, revitalising their cultural heritage, and celebrating the newfound assurance of safety and tranquillity.
Arshid Ahmad, a delighted local resident told Rising Kashmir that the change is truly remarkable and they can now revel in the festivities without fear or anxiety. The joyous beats of wedding drums and cheerful laughter fill the air, infusing our lives with a sense of harmony and celebration, he said.
“Once plagued by the thunderous echoes of shells, our valley now resonates with the symphony of love and joy. This ceasefire has gifted us the freedom to celebrate our weddings with exuberance, embracing our rich cultural traditions”, Arshid added.
Ruqaya Bano, a soon-to-be bride, expressed her joy by saying that she had always imagined a wedding full of happiness and vibrant festivities. “My dream has come true thanks to the ceasefire.” “Our weddings now reflect our customs and traditions, with family and friends coming together to create unforgettable memories,” she said.
Local artisans and craftsmen, who had previously faced adversity as a result of the tumultuous circumstances, are seeing a surge in demand for their intricate wedding decorations, traditional jewellery, and elegant attire.
“The ceasefire has breathed new life into our work. Our wedding decorations now symbolize not only beauty but also resilience and hope”, Altaf Ahmad a local marriage event manager told Rising Kashmir.
He said that their work was on the brink of fading away, with no demand in sight. But now, as peaceful marriages bloom, so does the demand for their work.
According to random data collected by Rising Kashmir, 155 marriages have been solemnised since the implementation of the ceasefire in 2020, representing a significant increase over previous years. As of now, 21 weddings have been scheduled this year, representing the community’s eagerness to embrace and celebrate their love without the looming threat of shelling disrupting their festivities.
As the wedding season approaches, the people of Gurez Valley eagerly anticipate the festivities that lie ahead. The valley, once characterized by silence and caution during weddings, now comes alive with the vibrant sounds of music, laughter and love.
The residents of Gurez Valley hold onto the belief that the ceasefire will continue, allowing them to embrace a future filled with peace and prosperity. With every wedding celebration, the valley hopes for a lasting ceasefire.
Abdul Raheem Khan, a local said that ceasefire has transformed their wedding celebrations from moments of fear and uncertainty to occasions filled with joy and happiness.
“We are grateful for this respite and sincerely hope that the ceasefire remains intact, enabling us to live our lives and celebrate our special moments without any disruptions”, he added.
