Ram-Themed Weddings Gain Popularity in Lucknow
Lucknow, Feb 12: A wave of ‘Treta Yug’ weddings has swept through Lucknow’s wedding circuit, with couples opting for Ram-themed nuptials in the wake of the recent opening of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Gone are the conventional wedding rituals as grooms arrive on ‘Raths’ adorned with golden crowns instead of traditional headgear, while brides cover their faces with long ‘ghoonghats’. The air is filled with the melodious chants of the new chartbuster ‘Ram aayenge’, a departure from the usual Bollywood tunes.
Pihu Kohil, a wedding planner, notes the significant shift, stating, “Almost every third wedding now follows the Ram theme, with couples embracing the idea of a pious and spiritual ceremony over extravagant celebrations.”
The décor exudes regal grandeur, with palace-like stages illuminated by diyas, and traditional motifs adorning the venue. The bride and groom attire in traditional dhoti-kurtas, exchanging garlands amidst a setting reminiscent of a ‘swayamvar’.
Exotic flowers are replaced by marigold strings, and gifts feature gold and silver coins embossed with images of Ram and Sita. Wedding invitations discreetly advise guests to adhere to a “traditional” dress code, while waiters don dhoti-kurtas with prominent ’tilaks’.
The culinary experience is equally traditional, with vegetarian fare and saffron-infused sherbats replacing carbonated drinks. However, this newfound emphasis on spirituality hasn’t dampened the celebratory spirit entirely, with pre-wedding cocktails and post-wedding revelries offering guests a diverse culinary experience.
Ram-themed weddings offer a blend of tradition and festivity, capturing the essence of a cultural resurgence in contemporary wedding ceremonies.
