Marriages are made in heaven. But this one took place at the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border amid the coronavirus pandemic. To avoid quarantine hassles, 30-year-old Robinson a native from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and 25-year old Priyanka, a resident from Munnar in Kerala got hitched in the Tamil Nadu-Kerala on June 7. The couple draped in Malayali wedding entire wore masks, used sanitizers and entered into wedlock at the Chinnar Bridge in Idukki that connects Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It was a simple wedding without a priest and the families of the bride and groom watched the wedding from either side of the bridge. The Chinnar Bridge which connects Tamil Nadu and Kerala connected two people and amalgamated two cultures.
Robinson & Priyanka Got Married At Tamil Nadu-Kerala Border
Robinson and Priyanka’s marriage took place barring all extravaganza and ceremonies. COVID safety protocols were followed by family members of both the bride and groom. They witnessed the auspicious occasion from either side of the border. Only parents were permitted to come near. They got married at the Excise Checkpost in Chinnar (Idukki), between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. So, the officials assisted them during their wedding.
Officials rolled out a cloth mat as the mandapam on the road in from of the check-post office. They arranged things like lamp and fruits on it. Abdul Majeed, Junior Health Inspector states to TNM that if families of the couple came together at the bridge then the entire would be quarantined. Families of the bride and groom stayed on either side of the Chinnar Bridge and watched the wedding from a distance. The Health department ensured social distancing protocols were followed. For weddings in neighbouring state Karnataka, a list of strict protocols need to be followed.
Robinson and Priyanka’s marriage was scheduled to happen on March 22 in Munnar in Kerala. But due to the pandemic, Jantha curfew and lockdown the wedding was postponed. The duo waited indefinitely for the lockdown to be lifted. They decided to get married at the border since it wasn’t possible for family members to get passes. And anyone travelling to another state will have to be quarantined for the next two weeks.
Check Post Officials Helped The Couple During Their Wedding Ceremony
The couple submitted their applications in both Kerala and Tamil Nadu to get passes. Robinson got a pass to arrive till Chinnar. Priyanka obtained the pass to travel to Tamil Nadu. The wedding then took place at the Munnar-Udumalpet interstate highway, on the Kerala side. Robinson entered the bridge. His 12-member companions stood n the other side. The bride’s family, forest and revenue officials witnessed the function. Former MLA AK Mani, Marayoor Panchayat member Jomon Thomas were also present to witness this rare yet beautiful ceremony.
Amid the dark gloomy days of the pandemic in India, Priyanka and Robinson’s wedding became the silver lining of hope for couples across the country. During the ceremony, check-post officials arrived during the auspicious time. They handed the sanitized garlands and the wedding thali to the couple. Robinson received hand sanitizer to clean his hands. Junior Health Inspector, Abdul Majeed states to TNM that the wedding was held without a priest. The health and excise officials provided garlands to the couple. A couple in Jaipur also took special permission and had a small wedding on April 5, where they invited guests virtually.
Priyanka Couldn’t Embrace Her Parents Due To The Social Distancing Protocols
Robinson and Priyanka go officially married at the Tamil-Nadu Kerala border. Priyanka took her luggage and walked to the Tamil Nadu border with her husband after the ceremony. But then came a heartbreaking moment when she couldn’t embrace her parents or take their blessings after the ceremony due to the social distancing protocols. Priyanka’s father, Shekar told TNM that it was a sad moment for them.
Marriages Are Made In Heaven And Inter-State Borders
The couple waved goodbye to their families and walked towards the Tamil Nadu border. Priyanka’s father emotionally exclaimed that once the lockdown restrictions are lifted they will go to Tamil Nadu to conduct another small ceremony at her place. Well, marriages are not always made in heaven. Some happen at inter-state borders. And they are nothing short of heaven. If you found this story heartwarming, then here are 12 heartwarming stories across the globe for you.
First Published: June 10, 2020 11:26 AM