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Glitz and glamour at a heavy price
Marriages have become a costly affair these days. The traditional, nostalgic tinge has faded away and it has been overshadowed by the modern glitz and glamour, but the cost is too heavy to pay.
Marriages have become a costly affair these days. The traditional, nostalgic tinge has faded away and it has been overshadowed by the modern glitz and glamour, but the cost is too heavy to pay.
A sharp rise of almost 150 percent has been recorded in the prices of the commodities used in marriage ceremonies.
The expenditures have burnt the pockets of kins of both the bride and the bridegroom. A normal marriage is taking place at the extravagant budget of Rs 8 lakh to 10 lakh.
From traditional indoor affairs, the marriages have started taking place at marriage halls and guest houses which still add to the already swelling budget. If yesteryear the cost of hiring the halls was Rs 35,000 then this year it has risen to Rs 45,000 and more.
Shanker Lal, the owner of a famous marriage hall, admitted that altering the entire decoration with every new order increases the expenditure. Moreover delicacies add to the enhancement of cost of the auspicious moment.
"Earlier, the cooks were hired for few days at home to cater to the variety of foods but now the cost is fixed according to the number of plates and minimum cost per plate is around Rs 100-150", said Naresh, who runs a catering business.
Marriages cannot be completed without jewellery and it has become the costliest item nowadays since the cost of gold has broken all previous records. "The cost of 10 grams of gold was Rs 6500 last year and this year it has crossed the Rs 10,000 mark per 10 grams. Price of silver has also increased," said Rajesh, a jeweller.
According to Kuldeep Soni, president of Prayag Sarrafa Mandal, "People are showing more interest in remoulding the old jewellery which is somewhat less costly. However, the made-to-order practice is also not cheap as the goldsmiths have started charging more for their job."
Saris which add to the beauty of the bride too has become costly. And the shop owners hold the wholesale manufacturers responsible for it as they have increased the prices.
If electronic articles are selling cheap this year then the furniture items have recorded an upward trend in price. Rajeev Verma, the owner of a furnishings outlet said, the price of an average looking sofa has increased. The mare for the groom is being charged from Rs 700 to Rs 1000. Minimum amount charged by musical bands is Rs 8,500. Likewise, hiring the vehicle for baratis has become expensive.
Anil Kushwaha, president of Allahabad Goods and Motor Transport Union said, rise in the price of diesel is responsible for hike in rates of every article.
"Consumerism will further increase the budget of the people. Traditional ways and rituals were easier to afford," said Rajesh Singh, a retd government employee.
