Despite the exponential rise in COVID-cases, in the form of a ‘second wave’ in Rajasthan, Jaipur is gearing up to host as many as 3000 weddings in the month of November. The Rajasthan government had restricted the number of guests at a wedding at 100 ahead of the wedding season, however, the skyrocketing count poses a great threat to the overall health index of Jaipur as well as the state of Rajasthan. At present, Jaipur is nursing a total of 43,956 cases, with the addition of 656 new cases on Tuesday; active tally stands at 8,547 cases in the Pink City.
What is Jaipur’s fate: Wedding Destination or Virus Hotspot?
Jaipur’s Additional District Collector reportedly stated that the administration has received about permissions for more than 3,000 weddings in the concluding days of November. A major chunk of these weddings will happen on November 25, on the auspicious occasion of ‘Dev Uthani Ekadashi’, and up to 100 people are allowed to attend a marriage function. Officials fear that these events will weaken the city’s defence against the coronavirus growth. Jaipur’s wedding organisers expect the number of weddings to surge past the 4000 mark in the city alone, in the coming days.
Preventive protocols in place
The officials added that the state government has also increased the penalty amount from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000, if more than 100 people gather in marriages and other events. The state has also imposed a night curfew from 8 pm to 6 am in 8 districts including Jaipur. However, those attending marriage functions are exempted from it. Law enforcing bodies will also be deployed to check any violation and take action as per state-established guidelines.
Rajasthan government has established guidelines, restrictions and protocols to control the rapid rise of COVID-19, throughout the state given the unprecedented spike in the cases in the last few days. The district administration and police officials are constantly engaged in spreading awareness among the citizens about the need to follow norms of social distancing and wearing face masks to break the chain of COVID infection.
Troubles for the Wedding Industry
Coronavirus has hampered the growth of several industries all round the globe and now its shadows are casting an eclipse over the wedding industry as well. The limitations at weddings will directly/indirectly affect the bread and butter of over 10 lakh people in the state like tent dealers, florists, caterers, event planners, among others.
