Ar Sumit Thapa
Founder & Chairman, Arc Architects and Engineers
Marriage is not just a unification of two souls and families, but rather a holy unity of two different people from the same cultures or different exotic cultures. A person who is professionally inclined to diverse design projects for my clients, I believe in welcoming intercultural and multi-ethnic weddings. Nepali weddings’ most liked aspect is that they are mostly well preserved and passed down through ancestral generations.
I like that our wedding ceremonies have spiritual, cultural and social norms carried out from generation to generation. The aspect I like about our Nepali weddings is the auspicious and holy ‘sindoor’ ceremony as it signifies a powerful bonding between the couples. I like the sacred wedding mantra recitation that makes the unification livelier, the ‘jaggyaa’ decoration. I think that the Nepali outfits for the bride and groom are beautiful. I like the traditional ‘daura surwal’ worn with pride. Furthermore, I like the wedding parties, dances, music and wedding vows. Most significantly, the hierarchy of respect in the families is earned through generations.
I dislike how people spend way too much just to prove their significance in society rather than focussing on the marriage itself. I feel loud and exaggerated parties or rituals are just a sign of excess. I am looking forward to my wedding ceremony in the future. I would like to kiss the bride rather than our traditional ceremony in which the bride bows to touch the feet of the groom and get the blessings.
Zander
Actor and Model
Marriage in today’s world has evolved into a stylish and highly fashionable affair. Many couples now draw inspiration from lavish celebrity weddings to craft their own unique versions. It’s common to see extravagant themes, luxurious decorations, and over-the-top ceremonies, as couples strive to make their special day as memorable as possible.
While it’s wonderful to express creativity and celebrate such a significant milestone in a way that aligns with your dreams, it’s essential to remember that this day should bring joy, not only to you but also to those who are part of it. True happiness in marriage comes from sharing genuine moments with loved ones, rather than orchestrating grand displays that could cause discomfort or unnecessary financial strain on families.
The essence of a wedding isn’t found in extravagance but in the meaningful connections shared with close friends, family, and those who truly matter. Ultimately, marriage is a celebration of love, and the best moments arise from the warmth and support of the people who genuinely care about you.
Deepa Kunwar
Managing Director, K.P.A. Cashmere
Although Hindu weddings are known for their elaborate celebrations, I appreciate the close-knit, intimate nature of weddings in my community where family involvement signifies a strong commitment from both sides. It’s heartwarming to see everyone come together to support the couple, personal and meaningful.
However, I have reservations about the trend of excessively long wedding ceremonies. Often, the bride and groom end up feeling exhausted, missing out on the joy of their own celebration. These elaborate events focus more on societal expectations than the couple’s happiness, turning what should be a genuine celebration into a showcase.
One big part of Hindu weddings, which I find debatable is traditions like ‘Kanyadaan,’ where the father gives away his daughter to the groom, which feels more like women being objectified. Additionally, I find it disheartening when families cry excessively during what should be a joyful occasion during ‘bidaai’. While emotions are natural, the focus should be on celebrating love rather than sorrow. I believe that weddings should prioritise the couple’s desires and foster meaningful connections, allowing them to enjoy their special day without the burden of societal pressures.
Simpler, more intimate ceremonies can create lasting memories that truly reflect the couple’s joy.
Bharti Goyal
Fashion Designer
Every girl dreams of her wedding; and for me, it was truly a blessing. The most beautiful aspect of getting married is the bond between the couple and the coming together of their families. Indian weddings are grand affairs, where both families make compromises to ensure everything runs smoothly.
The highlight of my wedding was the ‘sindoor’ ceremony; that moment felt surreal and made me truly feel married. Marriage gave me a new family and a lifelong partner with whom I can share and create new experiences. I loved the three-day celebration, which included the ‘haldi’, ‘mehndi’, ‘sangeet’, and finally, the grand wedding. I cherished every moment of my special day.
However, weddings can be very hectic for a bride, leaving little to no time to relax. I wasn’t particularly fond of the long hours spent getting ready as it was quite time-consuming. I also felt a lot of pressure leading up to the wedding. One of the bittersweet moments of any wedding is the ‘bidaai’ ceremony, where the girl bids farewell to her parents to start a new life with her partner.
A wedding is like an electrical connection, when the right wires connect, it brings light, but if the wrong wires meet, it can cause everything to fall apart.
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