After almost three decades a marriage has taken place in the historic Gulmarg Church. The Indian Express that broke the story said it was an Australian couple in Indian wedding attire; as dozens of foreign skiers wearing Kashmiri Pherans were the guests, and local priests and snow all around. The ceremony concluded with Kashmiri music and food followed in the evening.
At the church, were mostly fellow skiers and for many at the ski resort, it was a different event to attend. “Everyone was so excited. When I found out that a wedding is happening here, we started preparations immediately. By afternoon, the couple came and the ceremony was held,” The Indian Express quoted Mohammed Yousuf, caretaker of the Church as having said. “It was a new thing for me. In my 15 years here, I only witness people visiting the church during Christmas.”
The report quoted Khaver Jeelani, Managing Director of Hotel Highlands Park Gulmarg, who organized the function for the couple as saying that the first wedding at Gulmarg in his lifetime, will definitely send positive news outside. “When I received the news six months ago that they want to marry in Gulmarg, for a moment I thought it might not be possible. But, it went very well and I am happy. It will send positive news outside and a message that Kashmir is always safe for tourists,” he said.
J-K Tourism Department officials say that the event is “of great importance”. “Destination marriage happening here after a long time is great news for everyone in Gulmarg…”
The couple shares that how the hospitality and warmness from the Kashmir people will bring them again to this place. “We will definitely come again here next time because this place is amazing.
