Distraught couples face prospect of cutting guest lists from more than 600 people down to just 20 after coronavirus variant took hold
Thousands of families are in the same agony of uncertainty as Vashisht, with most of the arrangements paid for, either in full or in part.
A bride searches for her coronavirus vaccination certificate to show it to a healthcare worker at her wedding venue.Before the latest wave, when cases were almost absurdly low, pandemic fatigue had given rise to “revenge weddings” that were even splashier and more luxurious than normal. November was packed with destination weddings: after two years of little or no travel, people wanted to get out to a different city.The industry’s suppliers are also staring at crippling losses.
Mishra’s phone has been ringing with distraught families asking for refunds. Some have been waiting over 18 months to have a wedding without pandemic restrictions. He intends to give the refunds because of their distress and “for the sake of our reputation”. He also has to pay the salaries of hundreds of employees, permanent and casual.
India has enjoyed a halcyon period since June. As late as November, the capital of 20 million people was recording a mere 35-45 fresh infections a day. But with Omicron fuelling a sudden surge the government has re-imposed restrictions. India is recording around 258,000 cases daily nationally, with New Delhi recording 18,286 cases on Sunday.
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