COVID-19: Odisha couple get married amid lockdown, wear masks and maintain social distance

Dubai: Despite the nationwide lockdown in India, a couple in Odisha got married on April 17, wearing face masks, in a simple arrangement.

Love in the time of coronavirus looked a little different for this bride and groom from the Sundargarh district in Odisha, who opted for a simple wedding and a minimal guest list, to celebrate their big day.

According to an article by Indian news magazine India Today, the couple adhered to social distancing norms. The groom arrived with only five baratis (family members from the groom’s side) all of whom were wearing masks. They were greeted at the entrance with sanitisers and not flower garlands. They were asked to sanitise their hands and maintain social distance.

The family had postponed the wedding to April 17, as the lockdown in India was supposed to end on April 14. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the nationwide lockdown to May 3, leaving both families no choice but to go ahead with the ceremony on the set date.

Twitter user @lopamohanty posted: “A wedding where masks, safe distance were mandatory. Groom and family were greeted with hand sanitisers…”

Weddings amid coronavirus

This is not the first time a couple is getting married amid the current coronavirus situation around the world. People are taking needed precautions and holding wedding ceremonies despite COVID-19.

According to an earlier published story in Gulf News, another couple in West Bengal tied the knot in a simple ceremony with few guests, all of who were wearing masks.

Last week, a UAE-based couple whose wedding was cancelled due to coronavirus had a virtual wedding on the Internet with their friends and family around the world.

Coronavirus in India…

According to data available on April 19, there are 15,712 confirmed cases on coronavirus in India. Around 2,231 people have recovered and 507 deaths have been reported from COVID-19.