When 'traditional' ceremonies become refreshingly different

Synopsis

Actor Randeep Hooda's wedding to model Lin Laishram in a traditional Manipuri Meitei ceremony captured public attention. Social media buzzed with admiration for its uniqueness, sparking interest in Meitei customs. However, the overwhelming positivity revealed a lack of awareness about India's diverse rituals. The surge of appreciation mirrored historical Orientalism, showcasing how many Indians remain unfamiliar with the country's rich tapestry of traditions. This calls for a revival of regional customs amid the trend towards standardized weddings to preserve India's vibrant cultural diversity.

Last week, Randeep Hooda married Lin Laishram in a traditional Manipuri Meitei ceremony, whose videos and images went viral. This happened, of course, because he is an actor, she a model and hence of interest to the wider public. But more interesting was the flood of comments in social media about how "refreshing" and "original" the wedding was and how "different" from the norm. We Indians have reached a point where, for many, traditional is
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