Subhashish Chakraborty
Since ancient times, the awe-inspiring Kumaon Himalayas in Uttarakhand have been home to the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon, and a magnet for anyone seeking the fulfilment, balance and peace that Yoga brings. The Rishis of old and the great minds of our age have made their way here to uplift themselves spiritually, and to contribute to humankind.
The reason behind the popularity of places like Almora and Ranikhet in Kumaon isn’t just their jaw-dropping panoramas. These quaint hill stations have not yet been devoured by the crass commercialism that tourism invariably – and unfortunately – brings in its wake. Somehow, and thankfully, they have managed to retain their obscurity, quietude, and laid-back vibes.
As Swami Vivekananda said, “These mountains are associated with the best memories of our race… where Rishis lived, where philosophy was born…”
The Wedding Economy
Although it has yet to be officially declared an industry, governments at the Centre and the state have focused on innovative initiatives like ‘Wed in India’, which are specifically targeted at promoting India as a global hub for weddings.
Yet, with the wedding segment pegged at a staggering US$130 billion, and with the nation hosting close to 10 million ceremonies annually, India has already metamorphosed into the unofficial ‘Wedding Capital of the World’. According to Jefferies, one of the world’s top full-service investment banking and capital markets firms, “The Indian wedding industry is nearly double the size of the industry in the US ($70 billion), albeit smaller than China ($170 billion). Weddings are the second largest consumption category in India. Weddings, if they were a category, would rank as the second largest retail category, only behind food and grocery ($681 billion).”
At the forefront of this boom is the country’s cash-rich and big-spending millennials. Moreover, and significantly, there is a noticeable trend of both the bride’s and groom’s families contributing to the cost, a clear reflection of the paradigm shift in Indian society. It must also be borne in mind that weddings in India have a positive rub-off effect on several other sectors, such as jewellery, apparel, automobiles, and consumer durables. Not surprisingly, these domains witness massive spikes in demand during wedding season.
India’s wedding industry vis-a-vis Uttarakhand looks poised for exponential growth in the years to come. In fact, the state is surging ahead as a premier wedding destination due to a number of reasons. Of course, the lure of the Himalayas is legendary and needs no reiteration. But as per a renowned wedding consultant, Rishikesh – Yoga capital of the world – is primed to become the new hotspot for couples eager to get married amid the pristine backdrop of the Himalayas. Furthermore, Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is desirous of projecting the state as a global wellness and tourism hub, a campaign that is gaining momentum.
The Charm of Kumaon
Like elsewhere in India, Kumaoni weddings are elaborate affairs and encompass a variety of rituals, including the Ganesh Puja, Varmala ceremony, ring ceremony, Mehendi ceremony, Kanyadaan, Saptapadi, and Vidaai. And each ritual entails substantial expenditure, particularly on jewellery, attire, transportation, and electronic goods.
Chandan Singh Koranga, a millennial Kumaoni entrepreneur and proprietor of Wood Villas luxury wooden chalets, has been organising destination weddings in Almora. “Uttarakhand is evolving into a much-preferred wedding hub and places like Ramnagar near Corbett National Park are expected to host approximately 800 wedding ceremonies this year. Prices range from Rs.15 lakhs to Rs.90 lakhs, depending upon the amenities and services. The best part is that the middle-class too has shown great affinity to conduct weddings here, as the prices are competitive,” says Chandan, whose forefathers, the late Dewan Singh Koranga and Nandan Singh Koranga, served with great distinction in one of the Indian Army’s oldest and most decorated infantry units, the Kumaon Regiment.
Many of Chandan’s discerning guests who come to marry, do so with a mindset to explore the Kumaon Himalayas in all its entirety. Little wonder, then, that the weddings can last for up to 10 days, and sometimes as long as 15 days. It makes for good business for Chandan. His chalets, located in the picturesque Himalayan hamlet of Dhamas (32kms from Almora), are the ideal accommodation; from this prospect, and at an elevation of 1,424m (4,672ft), the majesty of the Himalayas is to be seen to be believed.
The Koranga family encourages their guests to stay in traditional Kumaoni villages, part of the immersive experience promised by Wood Villas’ wedding tours. Indeed, the essence is on slow and mindful exploration of the region’s wonders, both natural (Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to more than 200 avian species, including Eurasian Jays, Bar-tailed Treecreepers, and Oriental Turtle Doves, to name just a few) and spiritual (Kasar Devi and Katarmal Sun temples).
In addition to the breathtaking vistas and biodiversity, the Kumaon Himalayas are also known for their tribes. The Tharus, Bhutias, Jaunsaris, Buksas, and the Rajis boast a unique way of life and customs that have withstood the onslaught of modernity, fiercely protected by the locals and studied by anthropologists. And Chandan’s family’s is committed to preserving this mountain landscape’s fragile ecosystems and rich cultures.
Preparing to get married? Think no further than Uttarakhand, a land where memories are made and dreams realised!
