A Humble Plea: Celebrating Kashmiri Marriages in Simplicity for the Betterment of Our Community
Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo da Vinci
As the summer sun relinquishes its fiery grip on the beautiful valleys of Kashmir, a unique trend has emerged this year. With scorching temperatures making traditional summer weddings a challenge, many Kashmiri families have wisely chosen to delay their marriage ceremonies, opting instead for the cooler months of September to November. This shift not only brings respite from the heat but also offers a valuable lesson in celebrating love and togetherness with simplicity.
Kashmir, often described as “Paradise on Earth,” has long been renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. The grandeur of Kashmiri weddings, with their rich traditions, elaborate rituals, and opulent feasts, is equally well-known. However, the soaring temperatures in recent summers have taken their toll, making these celebrations more about extravagance than the love and unity they represent.
This change in wedding timing provides a timely opportunity to reflect on the essence of marriage ceremonies. The common message to the public, both in Kashmir and beyond, should resonate with the idea of embracing simplicity and shunning extravagance.
“The greatest step towards a life of simplicity is to learn to let go.” – Steve Maraboli
First and foremost, extravagant weddings often lead to financial strain for families. The pressure to host a lavish event, with all the bells and whistles, can burden families with debt for years to come. By choosing a more straightforward and economical celebration, couples and their families can start their married life on a stronger financial footing.
Furthermore, the environmental impact of extravagant weddings cannot be ignored. The excess waste, energy consumption, and carbon footprint generated by large-scale events are detrimental to the fragile ecosystems of Kashmir and the planet at large. As stewards of this exquisite region, we have a responsibility to protect its natural beauty for generations to come.
Let us not forget the emotional toll that extravagant weddings can take as well. The stress and anxiety associated with planning and executing a lavish affair can overshadow the joy of the occasion. By simplifying the celebration, couples can focus on what truly matters – their love and commitment to one another.
In the spirit of celebrating Kashmiri weddings during the cooler months, let us embrace a renewed sense of purpose. Let us prioritize love over luxury, unity over opulence, and simplicity over extravagance. By doing so, we honor the traditions and values that make Kashmiri culture unique while also safeguarding our environment and our financial well-being.
“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.” – Coco Chanel
The message is clear: It’s time to rekindle the true spirit of Kashmiri weddings by making them more about love, togetherness, and shared moments of joy. Let us cherish the memories we create, not the extravagance we display. In doing so, we will pave the way for a brighter future filled with meaningful and sustainable celebrations.
Additional Benefits for the Community:
Financial Stability: Extravagant weddings often result in financial burdens not only for the immediate families but also for the community at large. When families overspend on weddings, they may need financial assistance from relatives or community members, diverting resources from more essential needs.
Community Development: By practicing frugality in weddings, families can allocate resources toward community development initiatives such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. These investments can uplift the entire community and contribute to its progress.
Social Equality: Extravagant weddings can inadvertently create disparities within the community. Those who cannot afford lavish celebrations may feel marginalized or pressured to go into debt. Encouraging modest weddings fosters social equality, where all members can participate equally.
Cultural Preservation: The essence of Kashmiri culture lies in its traditions and values. By simplifying weddings, we can better preserve these cultural aspects, ensuring they are passed down to future generations intact.
Environmental Responsibility: A focus on eco-friendly weddings aligns with the global movement toward sustainability. By reducing waste and minimizing the carbon footprint of weddings, the community can contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.
Social Cohesion: When the community collectively values and practices simplicity in weddings, it fosters a sense of togetherness. Such shared values create stronger bonds among community members, enhancing social cohesion and harmony.
Education and Empowerment: Resources saved from extravagant weddings can be channeled into educational programs, scholarships, and skill development initiatives. This empowers the youth and ensures they have brighter prospects for the future.
Philanthropy and Charity: Wedding celebrations can also be an opportunity for charitable acts. Families can allocate a portion of their wedding budget to support local charities or sponsor less fortunate community members in need.
Mental Health and Well-being: Simplifying weddings can reduce the stress and anxiety associated with planning and financing extravagant events. Better mental health within the community leads to happier and more productive individuals.
Setting a Positive Example: When prominent members of the community choose simplicity over extravagance, they set a positive example for others to follow. This can lead to a ripple effect where more families adopt similar practices.
In conclusion, embracing simplicity in weddings benefits not only individual families but the entire community. It fosters financial stability, social equality, cultural preservation, environmental responsibility, and social cohesion. By making conscious choices to avoid extravagance, we pave the way for a stronger, more united, and prosperous community that can collectively address its challenges and build a brighter future for all.
About the Author:
Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon is a renowned Columnist & Motivational Speaker and an Associate Editor of the Weekly Publication ‘Education Quill.’ He currently serves as the Senior EDP Head at DD Target PMT Kashmir, a reputable institute renowned for its coaching classes in the medical/JEE/Foundation Classes.