December 5, 2024

The Indian wedding industry is well known for its huge expenditures on food, clothing, decor and rituals.

Some weddings can last for a week, meaning they often become more like a festival than just a ceremony. The unique rituals of Henna, Haldi (turmeric paste application on bodies of brides & grooms), music & dance, seven circumambulations and receptions are some of the reasons of why they’re called “Big Fat Indian Weddings.”

Considering the huge gatherings and expenditure of these weddings, it is quite evident that COVID-19 has forced some changes. Ontario has a limit of only 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors and India has a limit of 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors. With these limits, it is difficult to host traditional Indian weddings as people cannot invite hundreds of guests. 

A portrait of bride and bridesmaids from a Haldi ceremony in India. Credit: Shreya Shah.

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