Thursday, August 24, 2006

Is engagement a necessity?

The word engagement started ringing in my ears not long ago. I don’t mean to say my personal story - because there is no story of engagement in my life. Once the marriage was fixed, my husband and I got married without what I have often kicked away from my dictionary – engagement. I could never understand or accept this engagement, except in rare cases when the groom flew to Gulf or a foreign country for a couple of years or more. Those were the days, when the cases of breaking away the engagement were rare. Not anymore. I had once written an article on this issue for Woman’s Era (I don’t have the copyright to republish the article written based on a real-life story). The article was published during the first quarter of 2006.

Back to engagement - what bothers me more is the way engagement is celebrated. Less than a week ago, someone we know well got engaged in a five-star hotel. There was a party during the engagement ceremony followed by a drinking-party later in the evening. The majority undoubtedly asks “What’s in a party, without the chance to booze?” I’d better say, “What is in a party with a chance to booze?” In the name of fun and entertainment, men and women, young and old are cheering off themselves with a glass of beer! Doesn’t enjoyment come our way without any of these? Engagement is more of a status symbol, than a necessity. And it is often celebrated in a posh atmosphere with thousands of guests attending the event. Lakhs of bucks form the core of these occasions. Why not do something better? Perhaps, invest in a business – create employment for the unemployed or donate money for good causes.

Probably, a simple engagement ceremony, if at all necessary will remain in your minds than a costly-affair! Before you take the next step ahead – for that lavish party for your engagement, think twice – Is it really necessary?

4 comments:

Hopeful Indian said...

Ostentatious display of wealth is certainly a constant factor with marriages and engagements. While these ceremonies themselves have a long tradition which counts in their favor, by no means is it mandated to make it a lavish ceremony.

It is definitely a time to invite family and friends for a get together and renew the ties when we enter the next chapter in life. As for boozing, social drinking in moderated measures is good but out and out drunkenness just makes for a bad evening!

suresh said...

Hi,
Nice visiting your blog. Inspiring , the way u hav dealt with ur topics.Regarding this topic would it b right 2 say tht engagement or wedding parties do not create employment? Think it over. All the serving boys, hotel staff et al depends on income from such functions. So any money spent whichever way generates employment. whether its the right way to spend money is debatable. Like it is said to everyone his way. I wouldn't kno whether i wud be huritng u if i say tht lets be a gud witness 2 all these functions (should it b in caps?) and let's b more neutral in the assesment of its righteousness, for who are we to judge someone else's act ans more so comment on it? Go out enjoy, lets hear more such topics being discussed by u. All the best. wil continue lukin up ur blog and then thanks for letting me into ur circle,

regards

suresh

Tasha said...

I agree with Suresh, but then this is he author's own view point and like some other's, at least she's not imposing her views on us. I don't really believe in traditions, so my marriage will be free of engagements and pandits!!!

നേര്‍ക്കുറിപ്പുകള്‍... said...

i agree with u resmi...
in my openion ther is no necessity for engagement.. and marriage should be a simple ceremony with close family and friends.....