The picturesque charm of snowfall continues in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district. Amidst the freezing cold, the warmth of a couple's relationship brightened the atmosphere as they undertook life's most significant celebration. On January 24, in the Saraj Assembly area, residents Gitshesh Thakur and Usha Thakur tied the knot amidst the fallen snow in Bunalidhar village.
Due to 3 to 4 feet of snow covering the roads, the groom and his entourage faced a challenging 7-kilometer trek on foot to reach Bhainchari village. According to Hindu customs, postponing the auspicious timing was not an option, so the groom embarked on the journey bravely, ignoring the snow.
The wedding rituals took place amidst the snow and following the ceremony, the bride also embarked on the daunting foot journey back to her new home, walking 3 to 4 hours through the snow. This wedding, set amidst the remote villages of Saraj's Kohli Panchayat, has become the talk of the entire region. Unfortunately, due to the heavy snowfall, essential services such as electricity, water, and roads have been severely affected in areas like Janjheli, Thunag, and Sarachi.
A Four-Hour Struggle Through the Snow for the Auspicious Moment
For Gitesh Thakur's wedding procession, the heavy snowfall on January 23 was the greatest hurdle, but the tradition of not postponing an auspicious moment spurred the wedding party with courage. With vehicles immobilized, the groom and his companions forged ahead through the snow for nearly 4 hours. The towering layers of snow turned the journey into a taxing and risky endeavor.
Seven Vows Amidst a Blanket of White and Farewell
At Usha's home, surrounded by snow, all wedding rituals were beautifully executed amidst the white blanket. The farewell scene was equally unforgettable, as the bride began her new life journey traversing the same challenging path on foot. The entourage retraced the 7-kilometer path back, marking the bride's homecoming ceremony upon their return.
Ongoing Challenges for the Administration
The Saraj region, including areas like Janjheli, Bagsyad, Lambathach, and Kalhani, experienced record snowfall. This has paralyzed transportation and disrupted essential electricity and water supply. While the administration works tirelessly to restore these critical services, this extraordinary wedding has brought smiles to the faces of local residents.
