Wedding Procession Braves Heavy Snowfall in Uttarakhand; Groom and Bride Walk 21 km to Reach Home

Dehradun, January 24
Heavy snowfall across Uttarakhand’s mountainous regions turned weddings into unforgettable stories of resilience and devotion, as marriage ceremonies were solemnised amid snow-covered landscapes. While snow brought cheer to tourists and locals alike, it also posed serious challenges—most notably in Chamoli district, where a groom walked 21 kilometres on foot with his bride and wedding procession after roads became impassable.

In Rudraprayag district, at the sacred Triyuginarayan Temple—believed to be the legendary wedding site of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati—seven couples tied the knot on Friday amid intense snowfall. The historic temple, a popular wedding destination, witnessed rare scenes as priests, couples, and family members performed rituals while braving freezing temperatures.

Despite shivering in the cold, the newlyweds and their families described the experience as divine and memorable. Among the couples, two were from West Bengal, two from Maharashtra, and three from different districts of Uttarakhand. Many couples called it a blessing to be married at the celestial site where Shiva and Parvati were wed, with nature itself as a witness.

Snowfall Turns Celebration into Test of Endurance

In a dramatic turn of events in Gairsain, Chamoli district, heavy snowfall disrupted a wedding procession returning from Parwadi village. The groom, Suraj Bisht—son of Sarpanch Jeet Singh Bisht from Saliyana village—had travelled with his wedding party on the auspicious occasion of Vasant Panchami.

While celebrations continued as usual upon reaching the bride’s village, snowfall intensified soon after the garland exchange ceremony. Within hours, vehicles carrying the wedding party were stranded as roads became blocked by thick layers of snow.

After waiting in vain for conditions to improve, the groom, bride, and the entire procession decided to walk back to their village. Braving harsh weather and treacherous terrain, they covered nearly 21 kilometres on foot, passing through Bharadisain and Diwalikhal, finally reaching Saliyana late at night.

Snow Brings Joy and Hardship

This season’s first major snowfall followed prolonged rainfall, surprising residents as rain and snowfall occurred simultaneously—an unusual weather pattern for the region. While the snowfall boosted tourism and delighted locals, it also caused disruptions to daily life and transportation in higher altitudes.

For these newlyweds, however, the challenges only added to the significance of their wedding day—turning it into a tale of determination, faith, and unforgettable beginnings.