Difficulties in marrying from lockdown in Kashmir: ‘Modi has ruined the biggest day of my life’
27-year-old Hina, a Kashmir resident, is upset that the biggest day in her life has been ‘frustrated’ by the circumstances.
The marriage season is on the verge of Indian-administered Kashmir, but the lockdown in the Valley for the past three weeks has affected lives as usual and hundreds of marriages have been postponed due to this situation.
Similar victims are Hina Rakhasar and her family.
The 27-year-old Hannah, like every bride, was passionate about the most important day of her life and has long been involved in wedding preparations.
However, since the closing of Article 370 on August 5, lockdowns in the valley, and the suspension of media communications and business life, have prevented Hannah’s marriage from becoming a major hurdle.
Hannah is upset that their marriage has become crisp. “These moments will never come again in my life. This is the biggest day of any bride’s life and it has become miserable.”
She says, “My heart is crying and saying to Modi that you have spoiled the important day of my life.”
For Hannah, their wedding day should have been filled with love and memories, but at the moment they are suffering from stress.
She explains, ‘I no longer have the enthusiasm you expect from a bride. Yes, I am getting married, but this is limited to me. ‘
Hannah’s family and her friends are trying to persuade them before their wedding, but they also know that the ceremony will not happen as they had imagined.
Hannah, along with her cousins, had many plans for their wedding.
‘I was thinking of a theme called gazebo for lighting and decorating. I wanted fresh flowers to be used. My cousins and I also suggested a special wedding dress. ‘
But everything changed suddenly. I do not even know if I will be able to pick up my wedding dress on the market in time. ‘
On the other hand, Hina’s father, Rukhsar Ahmad, is worried about the event.
Rakhsar Ahmed invited 800 people to his daughter’s wedding but says only 60 people are expected to attend.
However, their biggest confusion at the moment is what they will feed these 60 guests.
One of the special dishes to be served at weddings in Kashmir is Wazwan, which is a mix of different dishes.
Specific cooks are called for the preparation of wazwans, and the process of making them is considered a very complex and long task.
Rakhsar’s father says, “At least 100 to 200 dishes and 20 cooks are required to cook Kashmiri wazwan.”
“At this time we have only two people available who can make this particular dish. You may be wondering what can be found in the market right now.”
Hannah’s wedding has been decided simply because of fear over the valley.
His father used to say, “We used to dance and sing at this event, but now the ceremony is limited to just a ritual that a father is just saying good-bye to his daughter, and nothing else.”
Hannah is also aware of the consequences of some sort of celebration in these situations. She says she’s afraid that outsiders will hear children’s laughter or loud noises if nothing happens.
“Whenever anyone goes out for work, we worry about his safe return whether he is there or not.”