Srinagar, Sep 13: For a change, Dal Lake has become a popular destination for `Made in Heaven’ style weddings.
With its serene waters, houseboats, and the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas, Dal Lake offers a dream-like setting for couples looking to tie the knot in an exotic location.
Many non-locals across India are now choosing to celebrate their special day here, often opting for intimate ceremonies on houseboats or beautifully decorated shikaras or hotels.
This trend has added a new dimension to Kashmir’s wedding season, bringing in more business for local vendors, event planners, and boat owners, while showcasing the Valley’s beauty to the world.
Meanwhile, Kashmir is gearing up for a wedding season despite elections.
Markets are abuzz with activity as people shop for wedding essentials like suits, gold, and spices, fueling the local economy during this festive period.
The hustle is especially noticeable in Srinagar’s bustling markets. “The demand for wedding outfits, especially traditional attire, has soared,” said a local tailor in Lal Chowk. “We’ve been working around the clock to keep up with the orders.”
For rural Kashmir, November marks the preferred time for weddings, as agricultural activities like fruit harvesting and rice cutting occupy villagers earlier in the season.
The harvest concludes just in time for families to turn their attention to nuptial preparations, ensuring that weddings in the villages carry the same grandeur as those in the cities.
“Weddings are a community event here. Thanks to the government’s marriage halls, we don’t have to worry about the space issue. It’s been a huge relief, especially for families like ours, where accommodating guests at home is a challenge,” said Mohammad Aslam from Khaniyar, who is currently preparing for his daughter’s wedding.
Beyond the families, Kashmir’s wedding season also provides significant economic opportunities for local vendors, decorators, and caterers. Decorators are in high demand to transform venues into dream-like spaces, while chefs earn a substantial part of their yearly income during this period.
“Weddings are a lifeline for us,” said a local waza. “We get most of our business during this season, and it sustains us through the year.” One of the local decorators said. (With KINS inputs)
