India’s relationship with luxury is undergoing a fascinating metamorphosis. Gone are the days of prioritizing practicality over panache; a new generation of discerning consumers is driving a surge in high-end indulgence, and renowned international brands are scrambling to adapt.
RG Murugendrappa added, “During a recent wedding in Bengaluru, I witnessed bouncers maintaining peace as a few individuals tried to create a ruckus. Therefore, I also decided to hire bouncers for my son’s wedding.”
More than 750 years ago, Sufi saint Syed Baba Abdul Razzaq founded the village of Baba Wayil in Kashmir to spread Islam's teachings. Today, the village rejects lavish weddings and dowries, opting for simple ceremonies. This change has led to positive social reforms, with early marriages and financial burdens reduced. However, this progressive approach is still rare in Kashmir, where extravagant weddings persist, contributing to a crisis of delayed marriages and increasing unmarried youth. The caste system also plays a role, as inter-caste marriages face challenges. The rising marrying age has implications for fertility and the next generation's health.