Banka: Amid appeal to avoid large gatherings, including the postponement of marriages and other social get-togethers, during the coronavirus pandemic to tackle the surge in cases, a man in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district has won hearts and set an example by getting married without any celebrations or wedding procession despite the ceremony being postponed twice earlier.
The marriage of Gautam Kumar, a resident of Uchakaganw in Bhagalpur district, was fixed in January last year with Kumkum Kumari, a resident of Bharatshila village in Banka district. The marriage was, however, postponed last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The marriage was yet again postponed this year when the time was propitious for solemnising the marriage as the second wave of Covid-19 hit Bihar followed by a lockdown.
Nonetheless, Gautam dressed up earlier on Friday and went to his fiancée’s house in Banka district’s Bharatshila village riding a bicycle for 24 km.
The bride’s family welcomed the groom on his arrival with all the traditional rituals. The priest was then called and the marriage took place the same day without any guests, celebrations or wedding procession.
Prabhat Ranjan, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Shambhuganj block in Banka district, lauded this gesture and blessed the newly-wed couple.
“While the Bihar government still appeals to people to avoid going to crowded places, this step by Gautam is commendable. Gautam got married, too, without other people facing any problem,” IANS quoted Ranjan as saying.
The BDO, who felicitated the newly-wed couple with an award, said the Banka district administration would recommend a reward for the bride under the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana.