India's lavish weddings go online in virus lockdown

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Friends and relatives of Sushen Dang and Keerti Narang took part in the wedding celebrations online due to the coronavirus lockdown. — AFP
Friends and relatives of Sushen Dang and Keerti Narang took part in the wedding celebrations online due to the coronavirus lockdown. — AFP

In a country famous for lavish weddings that last for days, an Indian couple is among a growing number of people modifying their marriage ceremonies under a virus lockdown that has limited public gatherings, AFP reported.

More than 10 million weddings are held annually in the nation of 1.3 billion people, with the marriage industry estimated to be worth some $40-$50 billion, according to advisory firm KPMG. The spread of the coronavirus and the nationwide lockdown took place as India's wedding season was in full swing.

In western Rajasthan state alone some 23,000 weddings meant to coincide with the Hindu Akshaya Tritiya festival on April 26 were called off due to the pandemic.

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