In the serene valleys of Kashmir, where simplicity and tradition once defined the sacred bond of marriage, a notable transformation has taken place. The recent surge in extravagant weddings has reshaped the very essence of Kashmiri matrimony, steering away from cherished customs towards opulent dreamland celebrations. From elite salons to exquisite venues and high-end photography studios, couples are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to craft a fairy tale wedding.
Unveiling the Catalysts of Change
An essential factor behind this paradigm shift is the substantial increase in discretionary income among a specific chunk of the Kashmiri population. This potential spending power has fueled aspirations for grand weddings, as individuals seek to create enduring experiences that align with elevated financial capabilities. The flaunting element shouldn’t be underestimated, as it significantly contributes to the selection of elevated standards for a wedding.
While Islam advocates simplicity in all aspects of life, deviating from these teachings has rendered our existence susceptible to extravagance. A noticeable competitive atmosphere has emerged, driven by peer pressure and a desire to surpass every other wedding. This intense competition has led to a perpetual escalation in the extravagance of celebrations, with couples contending to set new standards of magnificence.
Another important factor is the omnipresence of social media, particularly platforms like Instagram. Kashmiri weddings, that used to be simplistic and time-honored, are now condensed into a series of captivating reels. These visual spectacles set new benchmarks for inspiring viewers to fantasize about their own weddings, mirroringthe glossy perfection showcased online. Furthermore, admiring and idealizing celebrities has added complexity to our lives, as we often strive to emulate their footsteps to the best of our ability.
Strenuous implications of the new trend: cultural and financial
This shift has not only eroded cultural values but also imposed a considerable financial burden. It has weakened the strands of society, both socially as well as economically. The middle-class who aspire to meet these elevated standards, often find themselves depleting their bank balances to nil, shackled by debts making the rest of their life much miserable. The other section of lower stratawho couldn’t afford such grand weddings remain in a position of continuous dissatisfaction and jealously, eventually widening the gap even more between different classes of society.
Globalization and exposure to international trends have further incited this evolution, aligning local celebrations with a more globalized vision of lavishness. However, in this pursuit of modernization, the core essence of Kashmiri weddings has been overshadowed. The meticulous selection of a makeup artist or a videographer now often takes precedence over the choice of a qazi. The sanctity of rituals and traditions has been diminished, as brides are scrutinized on Instagram pages before they even set foot in their groom’s home.
A Call to Revert
The time is ripe for introspection and a potential reversion to the chaste-filled traditional and religious values that once defined Kashmiri weddings. Falling to the eye catching views of such weddings is quite natural, but making one’s own life miserable and hectic to meet the same standards is unlikely to grant peace. There is a dire need to carve and follow a middle path that would lie between our long living impeccable culture and traditions and modernization.
(Author has done Masters in Political Science)
