SILCHAR, May 7 - A couple from Cachar district has set an example of exchanging vows keeping the ceremony simple and strictly maintaining social distancing rules.
Mithun Roy, the groom from Silchar married Dipika Roy of Gojalghat Panchayat, under Dholai constituency, around 30 km from Silchar on Tuesday and pictures of the newly-wed couple wearing face masks went viral across social media platforms.
�Our marriage date was fixed in February to be solmenised on May 3. But then, the country went on lockdown owing to spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. We hoped that the situation would improve by April 30. But the announcement by the Prime Minister that the second phase of the lockdown would remain till May 3 made us rethink the schedule. However, since Cachar was categorised in the green zone in the third phase, allowing relaxation in certain sectors, I submitted an application to the Deputy Commissioner, seeking permission.
�The administration allowed only five persons from both sides to attend the ceremony, and so the families came to a consensus that the ceremony would be solemnised within 7 pm, maintaining social distancing norms and all attendees should wear face masks,� Mithun said.
He said the local gaon panchayat was also informed about the proceedings and people under the panchayat were requested not to throng the bride�s residence.
Three cars were used to reach the venue and return with two passengers in each car, abiding by the rules meant for the greater interest of the people, Mithun said.
Asked whether the couple had any plan to postpone their wedding, assessing the developments on COVID-19, Mithun said his better-half had once told him to think about postponing the date, but since there were astrological complications with regard to dates post this season, they had to go ahead with the rescheduled date curtailing all forms of flamboyance.
�I requested my in-laws that the ceremony had to be performed maintaining the norms set by government to contain the disease. I am glad that my in-laws reciprocated and the rituals were conducted well within the allotted time. However, wearing face masks was an absolutely different experience for all of us,� the newly married groom said.
