Early birds want timely ‘pheras’

LUDHIANA: Those who have suffered the ordeal of staying up all night at a marriage, whether their own or their relatives’, would welcome the new trend of early pheras. The usual practice at a typical Indian wedding is preparations spanning months, nightlong revelry on the big day and the actual wedding ceremony conducted at dawn. Plus, the ceremony is long drawn out.It’s a wonder brides and grooms have the energy to actually listen to the pundit. By the time the pheras are done, there are few people left around to witness it. The ones who are around, family and close friends, are too tired, despite themselves.
These days, a few trendsetters have chosen to get practical about weddings and spare everyone the trouble of being too exhausted and bleary eyed to register the special moment. Their plan is, pheras take place around 5pm to 6pm and guests start arriving at 8pm. This way, the bride and groom can call it a day at midnight and rest.
Many families like to conduct the wedding ceremony in the daytime and have a reception in the evening.
Nonita Khanna, a city resident, said, “Weddings must be conducted well in time when no one is too drunk to notice what is happening. When the bride and the groom are fresh, they can remember their wedding vows.”
Aakriti Singla, who made it clear that she only wanted early pheras at her wedding, said, “With early pheras, all your guests and relatives can enjoy. Lat at night, most people are sleepy and do not enjoy. There are very few people who actually witness the pheras.”
Pragati Chadda, a resident of Tagore Nagar said, “It gives the bride and groom an opportunity to interact with guests and enjoy the day.”
But there are a few who would not mind staying up all night for the ceremony. “I love to attend the late night ceremony, with few family members chatting and sipping hot coffee. That’s more fun than pheras held in the evening,” said Aashu Sachdeva, a homemaker from Ghumar Mandi.