Mir Iqbal Hussain Chattergami
Writing about weddings is, of course, neither my priority nor my usual subject. But witnessing the growing displays of extravagance in our society has compelled me to put my thoughts into words and highlight the financial, social and environmental concerns that often remain unnoticed amid the celebrations.
Having attended a few weddings recently, I was genuinely glad to share in the joy of the families and witness their special occasions. At the same time, I felt saddened by the growing lavishness and unnecessary expenditure surrounding these celebrations.
The happiness of a union is worth sharing; extravagance and waste are not. Marriage is a sacred and joyful beginning, but it is increasingly becoming a competition of wealth more guests, dozens of dishes, grander decorations and greater expenditure. Hard-earned money, saved through years of struggle, is often spent within a day or two simply to satisfy social expectations and impress others. Our religious and moral teachings encourage simplicity, moderation and helping those in need. If we have surplus money, would it not be better spent on educating our children or helping someone who cannot afford education, food or medical care? Wealth becomes truly meaningful when it brings hope to another life. The social pressure created by lavish weddings is particularly painful for poorer families.
“Lavish wedding spending offers brief prestige, whereas redirecting those resources toward supporting education, needy families, and medical care creates a lasting, meaningful impact. True prestige lies in character and compassion—choosing simplicity and humanity over temporary extravagance.”
While some spend lakhs on a single ceremony, financially weaker relatives and neighbours may struggle to meet their basic needs. They deserve dignity and support, not the burden of unrealistic social expectations. There is also a heavy environmental cost. Disposable plates, plastic glasses, bottles and synthetic decorations create enormous waste. Excessive food preparation leads to avoidable wastage, while heavy lighting, generators, transportation and loud music increase energy consumption and contribute to air and noise pollution. In an environmentally fragile region like Jammu and Kashmir, such wastefulness demands serious reflection.
Choosing simplicity can save substantial resources money that could educate children, support destitute families, meet medical expenses or contribute to community welfare. Such spending can brighten futures far more than a temporary display of wealth. We need to redefine prestige. It should not be measured by the number of dishes served or the lakhs spent, but by our character, compassion and willingness to lift others up. A wedding lasts a day; education can transform a life. Decorations disappear; kindness leaves a lasting mark. Let us celebrate marriages with genuine happiness, choosing simplicity over show, humanity over competition and a meaningful future over temporary extravagance.
(The author is a teacher and Environmental Science researcher pursuing a PhD in Environmental Science. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
