THE Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandits’ Sabha, Region 3, views with much concern the sale of alcohol at Hindu weddings. Though this matter has been discussed for the longest while, among Pandits, as well as Hindu leaders, no positive action has been taken to curb this practice. The wedding ceremony, performed over a period of at least three days, is a religious rite; alcohol destroys the sanctity of the occasion.
Also, we are all aware of the effects of alcohol – drunkenness, fatal accidents, lawlessness, etc. Besides, it reflects negatively on Hinduism.
This practice (sale of alcohol at Hindu weddings) has been going on for such a long time, that people have come to believe that it forms part of the wedding; a bar is built along with the tent. The officiating pandit finds himself in a helpless and embarrassing position, sometimes becoming volatile and abusive. What can be done to stop this practice?
We understand that the operators of these bars are not permitted to do so by the competent legal authority. We are in the process of discussing the matter with the police and Guyana Revenue Authority. Meanwhile, a decision has been taken by the Pandits’ Sabha that no pandit of the Sabha will officiate at a wedding ceremony where alcohol is being sold.