Pandemic ‘brokers’ expat weddings in Bahrain

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The travel restrictions and severe lockdowns in their home countries have served a catalyst in Bahrain to host Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Filipino weddings. “Parents have to adjust to new realities as we live in a fast-changing world,” said longtime Indian expatriate Gopalan Vadakke Chalil, whose three children got married here during the last year. He said initially he wanted the marriage to be conducted in India but had to change his decision due to the travel restrictions.

“Initially, I was a bit reluctant. Now I am really happy that my children got married here, for all their friends are here as this is the society they grew up in.” Dismissing the ‘fallacy’, Gopalan said the cost of the wedding is less in Bahrain compared to that of India. It was only a few weeks ago Gopalan’s daughter Reema Gopalan Vadakke Chalil tied the knot with Mohammed Ashil at a wedding ceremony held in Bahrain.

Indian national Sarangi Sasidhar, who married Akash, another Indian national, on the New Year Day at a ceremony held here, said she had never thought that her wedding would happen in Bahrain. “The pandemic was definitely the reason. Owing to restrictions in travel, girls and boys belonging to the Malayali community intensified their search to find a partner based in Bahrain.” She said many of her close relatives wanted to attend the wedding, but couldn’t as many of them were unvaccinated.

“I was disappointed over Akash’s mother’s inability to attend the wedding as she was unvaccinated. But we could have done nothing.” However, the MNC employee agreed that it was her “dream wedding” despite many limits set by the Covid protocols and regulations. Sarangi’s father M K Sasidhar said his relatives were initially upset over the decision to hold the wedding here.

“The pandemic situation demanded a break away from all conventions. Change is something that never changes. I overwhelmingly support any expatriate who wants to conduct his child’s wedding over here.” He said the marriage turned out to be a unique event with guests belonging to diverse cultures and nationalities in attendance.

Pakistani national Mohammed Kaleem, who got married here a few weeks ago, said it was his decision to begin the ‘togetherness journey’ in the same country where he met his wife for the first time. “My relatives wanted the ceremony to be conducted in Pakistan. I made a firm decision that my marriage will only be held in Bahrain. “I know my dear and near ones in Pakistan would miss the moment. But, there are not many choices during this time of the pandemic.”