There are a number of people who are tying a knot amid the current COVID-19 pandemic situation. In fact, neither the lockdown nor the pandemic has dampened the spirits of couples, who want to take the nuptial vows.
On similar thoughts, as India entered Unlock Phase 2.0, the Gujarat state government planned something innovative to boost tourism in the state. It has planned to promote the Statue of Unity and the area surrounding this site, as a place for destination weddings.
Reportedly, the authorities have decided to map Tent City 1 in the Statue of Unity as a wedding venue. Referring to this, authorities stated that the picturesque location, with an open-to-sky setting and the Narmada Dam in its backdrop, it makes for an amazing location for a destination wedding.
A Gujarat Tourism official mentioned that weddings are a purely private sector initiative, and that bookings are now open. In fact, Tent City 1 in Statue of Unity has been offering Corona-special wedding packages since mid-June, at INR 2.25 lakh for up to 50 people. Reportedly, the wedding venue has two Presidential Cottages and 60 tents. Authorities managing the venue stated that the offer is affordable, as before the pandemic hit the business, they used to charge INR 12000 per night for each cottage.
The one-night offer includes all vegetarian meals from lunch to breakfast the next morning, welcome drinks, mocktails and starters at the wedding ceremony. Apart from providing a seating arrangement for 50 people, wedding cake, jaimala, will be among other things that will be included in the wedding package. Then, there will be 17 rooms with triple occupancy and royal cottage for the newlyweds.
An official in the know-how also mentioned that safety and sanitation measures have also been taken care of as per the government guidelines. Everyone will have to undergo thermal scanning at the property, there will be contactless check-in, social distancing will be maintained, and hand sanitizers and face masks will be provided to the attendees.