Indo-Pak tension is really hurting Punjab’s wedding market

Business in Punjab isn’t really as usual, particularly not the high end car-hire market. Considered one of the biggest wedding markets in the country, Punjab has a history of splurging money during weddings. However this year is an exception. The rising Indo-Pak tension post Uri attack is the culprit.

Traditionally Canada based Punjabi groom-to-be would come to the country for wedding during the months of February. It is during this time that they would hire high end luxury cars to reach the wedding venue. The purpose of riding in a Limousine or Jaguar is to impress the bride’s side. This season, however the business is drying up. The rates of the cars vary according to models. In general, it’s Rs 18,000 for an Audi A4, Rs26, 000 for an Audi A6 or a BMW 5 Series or Bentley to Rs 40,000 for a Lincoln Limousine and Rs 50,000 for a Jaguar XE.

However this season being too dry, you might get a 50% reduction in price. Fearing more tension, the Punjabi grooms are avoiding coming to India this year. Moreover, the elections this time may get violent, which are again reason why the car rentals are seeing red this season.
"If NRIs heed the appeal and come to Punjab during the elections, they may double up the trip by planning weddings, too, Avtar Singh, who has eight luxury cars near Phagwara, told the Economic Times. This is crucial to sustain EMIs and the running costs of his fleworth almost Rs5 crore, he says.