J&K: Why crackers at weddings are a good sign

Facts and figures may speak otheriwse about the situation in militancy-hit Jammu and Kashmir but holding of marriage ceremonies at night, a centuries-old tradition in the state, and bursting of crackers during bridal procession have returned after a gap of 16 years.

However, bursting of crackers, part and parcel of such ceremonies, still cause panic with people mistaking it for militant attacks. Locals in the valley had almost forgotten holding marriage ceremonies at night following the eruption of militancy in 1989-90. It was considered dangerous to accompany the 'baraat' (procession accompanying the groom to the wedding ceremony) at night as both security forces patrolling the streets as well as militants waiting for an opportunity to attack them did not like civilian movement at that time.

Accordingly, the timing of the 'baraat' was changed to afternoon but without much fanfare. Bursting of crackers, which had attracted the wrath of security forces, was abandoned. However, with the improvement in the situation, the tradition of late night marriages is being gradually revived and so is the bridegroom's journey to the wedding venue with all the funfare, including bursting of crackers, on the way.

However, as the marriage season has just started, bursting of crackers late night had recently caused panic in some areas of the city. People mistook the bursting of crackers for grenade blasts and gunfire to be a fidayeen (suicide) attack on security camps and ran for cover.

It was after sometime that the situation became clear -- crackers were burst during 'bidai' (when the bride is seen off to her in-law's house after marriage) ceremony. Officials claim Kashmir is steadily coming back on the rails. Notwithstanding isolated grenade attacks and encounters between militants and security forces, Kashmir is much relaxed today and towns portray a resemblance to normalcy. People move around totally relaxed, business centres hum with activity till late in the evening, picnic and tourist spots are full of life. This situation was unthinkable even a few years ago.

For people connected with the tourism sector, everything is not lost as tourists do visit the state though in reduced numbers.

Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director G N Qasba conceded that grenade attacks on tourists has had its affect on tourist arrivals. But tourists are coming in small numbers, he insisted. Tourists will visit Kashmir again in good numbers during puja holiday in West Bengal, Qasba hoped.