Do civilizations encompass chipping in to ease human trouble? Does it include fresh minds with sound perspectives on any issue, factoring in the ins and outs of our opinions? Is it fair to say that a civilization features restricted freedom for the greater good, unlike an unfettered choice to give vent to our thoughts? Will it be out of place to mention that civilizations don’t pass as for what it is if it emits only a sweet aura on the outside but stinks on the inside? Should we call ourselves impartially civilized if our actions send shivers down the souls of the lesser mortals, people who live on the bare minimum and can’t afford to spend lacks on a ‘marriage?’

Among other equally grave issues in varying degrees, extravagance in marriages seems to have sought a forever permit in the ‘solemn realm’ of our civilized people. Other issues may qualify for an issue, but making a hill out of a mole by disgracing ourselves in the form of sprinkling money here and there and purchasing the most useless resources makes no sense. Even if some insects in our belly force us to think of making a marriage a memorable event, it should have a point. Why have we glamorized it as something like religion? It’s something unbecoming of a civilization. Could we learn from animals that marry themselves without beating the drum and snatching people’s sleep?

In this mad society, let alone a civilized one, thoughts and actions gain traction and relevance in a second. The lesser mortals can’t help imbibing what one rich lad does; it becomes a precedent for others to follow. In a fit of ‘Joosh’, they find themselves in debt later. Even some fear the layers of formalities that we have attached to the process of a marriage. Why shouldn’t they? And once copulation is delayed, it engenders a disturbed psyche and psychological imbalances. The consequences are well known. Who is to blame?

There are ways to showcase your money; choosing marriage as an opportunity to exhibit how affluent you are holds ramifications that ultimately affect the destitute. Societies aren’t alike; just like onions have layers, so do societies with people from varying backgrounds. Why not become civilized and opt for spending a minimum on marriages? Why not exhibit your wealth in money-inspired parties you may throw post-marriage, separating them from marriage, a simple and obvious deed that doesn’t require making it ‘Boad Ti Thodh’.

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Peer Faizaan Bashir