Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is a culturally recoginsed union between two persons – generally of opposite sex - to spend the rest of their life together. Marriage is consecrated by means of a wedding ritual in the presence of close relatives and friends. What matters in a wedding is the loyalty and commitment of the bride and groom to stick firmly to each other lifelong. But over time the marriage ceremony is turning into a matter of pomp and show; according to a news report in this daily, marriage has grown into an expensive affair, thanks to the influence of lavish Indian wedding rituals that begin with engagement followed by so-called Haldi, Mehandi, Sangeet, Swayambar, wedding reception and even bachelors/hens’ party. The multiple functions and the parties they entail, rising cost of gold, expensive photo and videography, dresses and other essential materials are making marriage a multi-million event in Kathmandu and other cities of the country. The news report states that families are spending between Rs. 2-5 million to organise a marriage ceremony.

Spending extravagantly in a marriage may not be a matter of concern for the elite and nouveau riche who are always on the lookout for an occasion to enjoy their life by flaunting their wealth. But the trend is gradually building pressure on middle and lower class people who cannot resist their children’s desire to formalise their marriage on par with the high and mighty though it may burn holes in their pockets. Some 20 per cent of Nepalis still live below the poverty line with an income of less than $1.25 dollars a day; a large chunk of the population does not have an access to basic health and education facilities, let alone amenities like clean drinking water and electricity. The current government pursues a motto of Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali and maintains that its primary objective is to lead the country on the path of development. But the growing fashion of extravagant wedding is a social aberration that leaves many wondering about the dissonance between what the government wants and where the society is heading.

There is no doubt that the more frugal the wedding, the better for the family and the society. In fact there is a law that aims to check extravagance in marriage and other family functions. The Social Practice (Reform) Act 1976 restricts the presence of more than 51 persons in a marriage procession and puts a limit on the number of invitees, other than close relatives, to 51 too. Those who violate the law are liable to a fine of up to Rs. 20,000 or an imprisonment not exceeding 15 days or both. But nobody seems to pay attention to the law as the politicians and top government officials themselves are at the forefront of violating it blatantly. Besides, the fine and punishment stipulated by the law are only nominal by current standards. So there is an urgent need to amend the law in view of how the society has changed over the course of time. If the government really wants to make marriage a sensible affair, the fines should be increased significantly and the punishment made more stringent. Still what counts at the end of the day is whether such law is enforced to address the anomaly.