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No fun in functions in violence-hit areas

BERHAMPUR: The after effect of communal violence has taken the fizz out of celebrations and partying during marriage ceremonies in violence-hit areas of Kandhamal district.

The decorators and tent house owners felt the pinch of loss of business during the continuing marriage season as an after effect of the communal violence. As per the Oriya almanac there were a series of auspicious dates for marriage between January 24 and 30.

Srinivas Dora, a tent house owner of Baliguda in Kandhmal district, says although the marriages planned on these dates were performed yet they were low key affairs in their area which did not prove to be good business for him.

Although the curfew and restrictions during night have been lifted, yet heavy police presence along with deployment of CRPF personnel still continues in areas like Baliguda, Daringbadi, Brahmanigaon and Phulbani.

To avoid any spark of communal tension, the police are not allowing marriage processions at night in these areas.

Late night marriage feasts are also not allowed.

The marriage processions are being allowed to complete their journey to bride’s home within an hour and armed police accompany the procession.

Strict watch is kept on any mischief by people of marriage processions in areas inhabited by families of minority community. Use of loud music by band parties accompanying the procession as well as use of fire works has been banned.

People of rural area of Kandhamal district never knew they had to take permission for marriage processions which has been made mandatory for them, says R. Panda.

As night celebrations during marriages have been restricted and there is no use of fire works a major chunk of fun and frolic related marriage celebrations have been robbed away, says Pratima Patro of Bazar Street of Baliguda.

According to her, around 15 marriages were conducted at Baliguda last week. But, they were marriage ceremonies for namesake only without the traditional fun and frolic.

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