CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: The big fat Indian wedding is getting fatter after a lean phase triggered by the Covid pandemic with the industry estimating a business worth Rs 4.7 lakh crore in the 23-day season to tie the nuptial knots which started on November 23.The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has pegged business worth Rs 4.7 lakh crore to Indian markets in this wedding season till December 15, up from Rs 3.75 lakh crore during the corresponding period in 2022, Rs 3.10 lakh crore the year before and Rs 2.65 lakh crore in 2019. Hit by the Covid pandemic, the season in 2020 had registered a historic lean phase in the industry.CAIT national president B C Bhartia said, After the record-breaking sales in the recently concluded Diwali festive season, the countrys business community is geared up to meet consumer demand for the upcoming wedding season. We are confident of business worth Rs 4.74 lakh crore involving the retail of the country.There is likely to be 38 lakh marriages across the country during the period this year, as against 32 lakh during the corresponding wedding season in 2022.CAIT Maharashtra vice-president, Suresh Thakkar said, The business estimate for this wedding season was drawn after talking to prominent trade bodies from 30 cities of different states. These cities are known as distribution centres and stakeholders in goods and services.He said the early phase of the current wedding season would last till December 15. The season would become active by mid-January and peak till July next year.According to CAIT, the approximate percentage of trade in the goods sector for the wedding season is estimated as 10% in textiles, clothes and garments, 15% in jewellery articles, 5% in electronics, electricals and consumer durables, 5% in dry fruits, fruits, confectionery and snacks, 5% in foodgrain, grocery and vegetables, 4% in gift items and the remaining 6% in other miscellaneous items.Marathwada-based wedding planner Rupali Deshpande said, The traditional Indian weddings are witnessing more attention to decorations and food served to guests. Marriage parties are ready to spend handsome amounts to give aesthetic touches to the venues. Food serving has undergone a big shift compared to the past, with starters and various soups and beverages finding place on the menu list. Many also prefer drone shoots during weddings which also add to the overall expenses.Mohsin Khan, proprietor of a New Delhi-based wedding organiser, said, Unlike in the past, weddings have become more theme-based and creative. Even marriage parties are seeking different themes for different customs and rituals of the wedding. More thought is paid to food details and music and entertainment also come with a lot of planning. The guest presence of celebrities is also sought by many these days. Overall, the cost of a wedding has increased by a minimum of four times as compared to the past.

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