As bustling Indian cities witness a surge in fake weddings, young attendees find themselves immersed in vibrant celebrations designed purely for enjoyment. Picture an extravagant ambience typically reserved for traditional weddings, complete with brightly colored outfits, lively music, and sumptuous food, yet absent of the bride and groom.
These ticketed events, organized by venues and clubs, are gaining traction in major urban areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Young adults are drawn to these gatherings, looking for a fun night out devoid of familial expectations that often accompany real weddings.
Attending a recently held 'fake sangeet' in Delhi, guests reveled in the camaraderie as they donned sequinned attire, swayed to the rhythms of a dhol drummer, and savored tequila-infused gol gappas—a fusion of traditional and modern flavors. Attendee Shivangi Sareen expressed her delight, emphasizing how the relaxed setting allowed for carefree enjoyment with friends away from customary pressures.
"At family weddings, there's so much pressure—here, it’s just fun," she noted, praising the liberating atmosphere. Ticket prices range from 1,500 to upwards of 15,000 rupees, reflecting the extravagant experiences being offered which many find worth the expense.
Event organizers recognize the uniqueness of this trend. Sharad Madan, a restaurant owner, acknowledged the importance of novelty in hospitality, highlighting that it's not solely about profit, but also about crafting memorable engagements for patrons.
Kamushal Chanani, co-founder of 8Club events, attributed the popularity of fake weddings to overseas young Indians, paralleled by gatherings that allowed them to experience the essence of traditional celebrations. Their recent events have prompted inquiries from various cities aiming to replicate this joyous format.
Notably, the trend isn't solely about wild parties. A sober sangeet hosted by Third Place focused on fostering interaction through themed games while celebrating without alcohol, catering to different tastes within the burgeoning market.
As younger generations seek out festive experiences, social commentator Santosh Desai pointed out that weddings serve as the epitome of enjoyment—especially when stripped of associated stress. He also noted a practical upside: guests can re-wear fancy outfits that might otherwise linger unworn after actual weddings.
While some argue that the rise of fake weddings reflects a fleeting novelty, industry expert Vijay Arora suggests this could potentially become a new market category, tapping into the booming $130 billion wedding sector.
However, not every participant has left these events satisfied. Some attendees voiced disappointment over the lack of authentic wedding cuisine and subpar decor, expressing that better expectations could bolster the experience.
In contrast, others advocate for the fun-loving spirit of these gatherings—promoting them as harmless and celebratory.
As India's youth continue to explore avenues like fake weddings for shared revelry, the trend may soon solidify its place in the evolving landscape of celebrations, satisfying a communal yearning for joy and connection.
