Marriage customs in Kashmir have a rich history, strongly connected to cultural heritage and family ties. However, in recent years, these customs have experienced significant changes, influenced by a variety of factors, including economic shifts and growing societal norms.
Kashmiri marriage customs have experienced a significant change, and families are now facing an increasing financial burden. The traditional Kashmiri weddings that were once celebrated with simplicity and modesty have now been replaced with elaborate ceremonies and luxurious expenditures, which have become the new standard.
Weddings today are represented by lavish venues, elaborate feeds, lavish and expensive attire, lavish dry fruit and sweet boxes, an increase in the variety of refreshments, wazwan and dessert items, costly singers and dancers, and other costly additions, leading to a significant increase in the overall expenses of weddings.
Families are experiencing financial problems due to the increasing prices, which make it difficult for them to meet societal expectations. Due to this, families have to face financial stress and debt. These growing customs and expenses are killing the actual modesty of our traditional Kashmiri wedding, making it more stresseful and complicated.
The cost of weddings has risen so much in Kashmir and is becoming a major reason for families to delay their children’s marriages. Families have to face societal pressures to attend certain modern, lavish wedding ceremonies.
This is becoming the major issue of late marriages in Kashmir. Many individuals, especially women, face the problem of late marriages because of the increasing expenses of weddings, which cause them to remain unmarried for long periods, leading to worries about social approval and fulfilling family expectations.
Marriage customs in Kashmir are changing, affecting many families economically. We now focus more on material aspects, making it difficult for people, especially poor people, to meet these standards causing them stress. Due to this, many people lose their lives.
The simplicity that once represented Kashmiri marriages is almost gone. The marriage rituals are losing their authentic traditional sense, as ceremonies become more about display and less about preserving cultural practices.
While the evolution of marriage customs in Kashmir presents numerous challenges, it also offers opportunities for reflection. Families should prioritize modesty, simplicity and inclusivity in wedding ceremonies.
Initiatives should be taken to improve financial literacy. This can help reduce the load on families and encourage marriages at early age. Also welcoming the change while maintaining cultural traditions. Kashmiri people can adapt to the changing patterns of marriage yet remain loyal to the values of simplicity and affordability.
Kashmiri communities can work together to create weddings that are fair, meaningful, easy, less lavish, and sustainable for everyone. By fostering such mindset, we can make it easy for everyone.
By Syed Fiza Masoud Bukhari