Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Omicron surge spoils India’s huge wedding season

Omicron surge spoils India’s huge wedding season

INDIA’s Omicron-driven third wave has become a huge blow to the country's traditional wedding season, which runs from November to March, reported the Guardian.

Recently, the New Delhi government, along with other restrictions, limited wedding guests to 20.


According to the report, thousands of families are in the same agony of uncertainty, with most of the wedding arrangements paid for, either in full or in part.

India reported 282,970 new infections over the last 24 hours, the highest in eight months, bringing the total to 37.9 million, second-highest globally behind the US.

Deaths crept up to 441 fatalities, including 83 from a previous wave that the southern state of Kerala is recording only now, making the nationally tally one of the highest this year.

The Guardian report added that in pre-pandemic times, some December weekends could see more than 20,000 weddings taking place in the capital in a single day, choking the roads with traffic.

November was packed with destination weddings-after two years of little or no travel, people wanted to get out to a different city, the report added.

The industry’s suppliers are also staring at crippling losses. Its revenues have previously been put at about $50bn, and New Delhi is one of the biggest wedding markets.

Rajeev Jain, managing director of event management company Rashi Entertainment has said that the wedding industry is a “soft target” for coronavirus restrictions.

“I was at Indore airport the other day and there was barely room to stand. Election rallies are being held attended by tens of thousands of people. The markets are full of crowds, but no, weddings must be cancelled,” Abhishek Mishra, co-founder of Seasons Catering, was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

A London-based couple, who were set to fly into New Delhi for the big day on 23 January, have postponed the function indefinitely because of the recent Covid surge.

It was reported that the Confederation of All India Traders has also written to the government asking for a relaxation. However, given the current explosion in cases, any relaxation is unlikely.

More For You

Rain Returns to the UK: What Today’s Unsettled Weather Means

Expect intermittent rainfall and breezy conditions

iStock

Unsettled UK weather today as rain returns after dry spell

The weather today across the UK is set to be changeable, marking a shift from the warm and dry conditions experienced in recent weeks. Forecasters are predicting a mix of sunshine, showers, and cooler temperatures as low-pressure systems move in from the west.

The Met Office says much of the country can expect intermittent rainfall and breezy conditions throughout the day, particularly in the west. Temperatures are expected to hover around the seasonal norm, between 14°C and 18°C.

Keep ReadingShow less
Historic Indian restaurant Veeraswamy on Regent Street  battles eviction

A file picture from November 11, 1980, of guests at Veeraswamy

Historic Indian restaurant Veeraswamy on Regent Street  battles eviction

ONE of Britain’s oldest Indian restaurants, Veeraswamy, is fighting to keep its central London location on Regent Street as its lease nears its end.

The Crown Estate, which owns Victory House where the Michelin-star restaurant has operated for nearly 100 years since April 1926, has decided not to renew the lease. They plan to carry out a complete refurbishment of the building.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pope Francis

Pope Francis will be remembered for his commitment

Getty

BAPS' Mahant Swami Maharaj offers condolences on the passing of Pope Francis

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj has offered condolences following the passing of Pope Francis, expressing solidarity with the Catholic community around the world.

In a letter addressed to members of the Roman Catholic Church, Mahant Swami Maharaj conveyed heartfelt prayers on behalf of the global BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu fellowship. The letter described the late pontiff as “a beacon of hope, compassion, and unity” and highlighted his efforts in promoting social justice, environmental stewardship, and interfaith harmony.

Keep ReadingShow less
modi vance

Modi and Vance also reviewed the progress made since Modi met president Donald Trump in Washington in February. (Photo: X/@narendramodi)

narendramodi

Modi, Vance say progress made on India-US trade talks

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi and US vice president JD Vance discussed the progress of trade talks between the two countries during a meeting in New Delhi on Monday, their offices said. The meeting comes as India seeks to avoid US tariffs and continue dialogue with the Trump administration.

Vance is in India on a four-day visit with his family. US officials said the visit is largely personal and includes a trip to the Taj Mahal and a speech in Jaipur.

Keep ReadingShow less
As Lisa Nandy heads to India, British Council champions diversity and dialogue
Lisa Nandy

As Lisa Nandy heads to India, British Council champions diversity and dialogue

AHEAD of Lisa Nandy’s forthcoming visit to India, her first overseas trip as secretary of state for culture, media and sport, the British Council has told Eastern Eye this government organisation is intent on projecting a positive and progressive image of Britain in its dealings with Indian partners.

“We need to shine a light on how multicultural Britain has become,” Dr Debanjan Chakrabarti, British Council director for east and northeast India, told Eastern Eye at his office in Kolkata.

Keep ReadingShow less