While exploring the vibrant streets near their college in Jammu, students from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) stumbled upon a local wedding that sparked their curiosity. It was the wedding of the daughter of a familiar face— the "Chai Wala" at whose stall the students often gathered in the evenings. Drawn by the excitement of experiencing the customs and traditions up close, the students found themselves attending the ceremony, turning what started as casual curiosity into an unexpected reporting opportunity.
The students arrived just in time for the Bangle ceremony, a significant event that takes place at the bride’s home two days before the wedding. Although they had not been formally invited, the bride’s family welcomed them warmly. One of the students, Chandrani, studying English Journalism, asked the father of the bride a thoughtful question: “How do you see the transition of marriage traditions from your time to your daughter’s?” His answer painted a poignant picture of generational change.
“Everything has changed in just a couple of decades,” he reflected. “Our parents couldn’t afford weddings like these, and many of these functions weren’t performed back then. For us, the focus was on receiving blessings from elders, not on grand celebrations.But today, we do this to make our children happy. My daughter, despite growing up in an unremarkable place like Bantalab, has made a name for herself. It’s a big thing for her to pay for her own wedding.”
Yet, amid the celebrations, the students couldn’t help but notice the continuation of some older, less positive traditions. They learned that the dowry system is still practiced here. The day before the wedding, during the Mehendi function, the bride’s family sent furniture and appliances like a bed, wardrobe, and refrigerator to the groom’s house.
This brief yet meaningful interaction left a lasting impression on the students. The warmth with which they were embraced by the family and the insights they gained into both the joys and complexities of modern weddings in the region will stay with them forever. This unplanned experience not only provided them with a deeper understanding of the community but also a story to tell—one that highlights the evolving traditions and challenges of local life in Jammu.
CHANDRANI DAS
JAMMU
08/09/24
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