Many a marriage over the weekend in twin districts

The marriages went on nicely ensuring compliance with guidelines, says MLA Umanath Kotian

The second day of weekend curfew witnessed many a marriage in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts albeit with thin attendance. Marriages were held in temples, conventional halls and in some houses. COVID-19 restrictions had forced some families to shift venues fixed earlier, from halls to houses. As many as 90 marriages were held in about 10 locations surrounding the Durgaparameshwari Temple in Kateel. “Five members each from the bride and bridegroom side, respectively, took part in them. There was no crowd,” Moodbidri MLA Umanath A. Kotian told The Hindu. All the 90 marriages were scheduled to be held at the temple on Sunday. With restrictions to allow only 50 persons for each marriage, these marriages were held at community hall, school and eight other places near the temple. “Apart from five each from bride and bridegroom side, a priest and a photographer were part of the ceremony. Each marriage ceremony lasted about 15 minutes,” he said and added that the married couple left the place after paying obeisances to the Goddess from outside the temple. “The marriages went on nicely ensuring compliance with the guidelines laid down by the State government,” Mr. Kotian said.