The coronavirus pandemic, besides adversely affecting normal life due to the restrictions, has also taken a toll on marriages. Due to the curbs by the Baleswar district administration on entry of people from West Bengal, marriages of at least four grooms of the nieghbouring State couldn’t be solemnised on Saturday as they were refused entry into Odisha at the Laxmannath check-gate.
This triggered strong resentment among the brides’ and bridegrooms’ families and friends and, obviously, for the brides and grooms.The grooms were seen waiting in cars and their relatives pleading with the security personnel to let them enter Odisha but in vain.
After four hours of waiting, they returned disappointed. Reports said two grooms from Belda and Contai of West Bengal had wanted to enter into Odisha, one for marriage in Baleswar and another in Paradip. Similarly, two grooms who had also come prepared for their marriage in a temple at Rajghat too returned after failing to convince the police personnel at Laxmannath.
“Adhering to instructions issued by the State Government, we are not allowing anyone, albeit under certain conditions. The requirement is either one should have proof of RT-PCR report before 48 hours or proof of taking two vaccines,” said ADM Nilu Mohapatra. Since the marriage parties couldn’t produce these proofs, they were asked to return, he added.