Is it safe to get married during Corona?

 

Couples are searching for the perfect marriage garden, pretty dresses and performing small functions in order to tie the knot. But is it really safe? Let’s find out. 

The spring season is considered the best time for weddings in India. And the weather too is favourable. Most people plan their D-day on days post the freezing cold of December and January, and before the scorching heat of June and July. However, the year 2020 was an exception. The threat of the pandemic had made people stay indoors; the lockdown was religiously followed. Given the circumstances, some couples might have cancelled their much-awaited weddings or rescheduled it for later. Recently, there was also a news of how a popular actor's fiance broke down after their much-hyped wedding was cancelled!

A wedding is a ceremony where two people are united in marriage. ... Most wedding ceremonies involve an exchange of marriage vows by a couple, presentation of a gift (offering, rings, symbolic item, flowers, money, dress), and a public proclamation of marriage by an authority figure or celebrant.

As couples globally are facing the COVID-19 pandemic, taking the right actions and navigating this ever-evolving scenario is proving to be challenging for many. Like you, here at The Knot, our teams are making daily decisions through the lens of how to best keep our couples, employees and partners safe and healthy. We're here for you through the ups and downs of planning your wedding during the coronavirus pandemic, and we'll continue to update our guide on all things related to weddings and COVID-19 as new information is available from the CDC and WHO, as well as from experts within the wedding industry.

STATE WISE WEDDING RULES:

• People should adhere to social distancing norms during the entire function
• They should wear a mask during the ceremony
• The guests should also use hand-sanitizer and
• Ceremonies should be kept as short as possible
• No drink or food is consumed during the ceremony until absolutely necessary

Listed below are some rules which certain states need to follow during the marriage ceremonies.

Punjab

As the states are modifying the rules related to marriages during the coronavirus outbreak, according to the Ministry of Health and Family welfare, the MHA clarified its stand that Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh should impose restrictions on the number of guests attending the marriages after assessing the situation in the state.

A division bench of HC had directed the MHA and both the states and UT to take calls on the reduction of guests attending the marriage ceremonies or other gatherings, where the gathering should be reduced from 50 to 25.

Taking all these into consideration, Punjab government on Monday announced a complete ban on all public gatherings. Also, social gatherings have further been restricted to five persons. 

Also, no more than 30 guests are allowed at marriages or other social functions, said Punjab Chief Minister's Office (CMO). FIRs shall be filed against those breaching the curb on public gatherings. Also, in case of any violation of norms, management of marriage halls/hotels will be held liable. 

West Bengal

Also, in West Bengal, which is under complete lockdown till July 31 to curb the spread of COVID-19 infections, the Mamata Banerjee government has allowed 50 people for wedding and death ceremonies. West Bengal has witnessed 32,838 coronavirus cases until now and 980 people have lost their lives. There will be restrictions on social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural and religions congregations in the state, the order said. Also, the movement of individuals will remain prohibited between 10 pm and 5 am except for essential activities.

Madhya Pradesh

In Madhya Pradesh, 19,005 people have been infected with the novel coronavirus, as of now. Although Bhopal and Indore are the worst-hit districts of Madhya Pradesh, the citizens are not required to take permission from the authorities to hold the ceremony. In Indore, 50 persons can attend the wedding while in Bhopal, 40 guests are permitted. Earlier, 12 guests were allowed in Indore and 20 in Bhopal. However, the authorities said social distancing norms will have to be followed during ceremonies and arrangements have to be made to prevent the viral spread.

Karnataka

In Karnataka, there will be a complete lockdown on five Sundays in Karnataka, from July 5 to August 12, according to state government's Unlock-2 guidelines. Essential activities and marriage fixed on this day have been barred from the rule. Thus, marriages which have already been fixed to be allowed. Also, to curb the spread of coronavirus, the number of guests should not exceed 50 in marriage-related gatherings. According to the union ministry of health and family welfare, Karnataka has recorded 44,077 so far and the state has witnessed 842 deaths.