October 20, 2025: The wedding season in Kargil district is at its peak, filling streets and highways with vibrant celebrations. From narrow lanes to main roads, the atmosphere is festive — one wedding procession after another moves through the town, with convoys of vehicles carrying guests to different villages and localities.
As night falls, Kargil echoes with religious songs, qawwalis, and wedding melodies, blaring from loudspeakers as processions pass by. While these scenes reflect joy and festivity, they have also led to frequent traffic jams and growing inconvenience for residents.
Despite repeated appeals and warnings from religious scholars, the use of firecrackers during weddings continues unabated. The night skies light up with colourful bursts and loud explosions, as many youngsters reportedly spend thousands of rupees on fireworks, drawing concern from social circles.
Local clerics have denounced the practice as extravagant and un-Islamic, urging people to conduct weddings in a simple and Sharia-compliant manner.
One prominent religious leader told Voice of Ladakh:
“Islam strictly forbids extravagance and wastefulness. Marriage is a joyous occasion, but it should not become a display of wealth and vanity.”
Experts warn that excessive use of fireworks contributes to air and noise pollution, posing risks to the health of children and the elderly. It also disturbs pets and wildlife, who are sensitive to loud sounds and smoke.
Public groups have called on the district administration to tighten regulations on loudspeakers, fireworks, and traffic management during weddings. They also emphasized the need for awareness campaigns by clerics and social organizations to promote modest, responsible celebrations rooted in cultural and religious values.
While Kargil’s wedding season remains a time of happiness and community spirit, maintaining a balance between celebration and discipline has become increasingly important. With collective responsibility from citizens and authorities alike, these joyous moments can be both memorable and exemplary.