Chittagong: Tunnel of Love

December 2024

In South Asia, weddings (for those who can afford them) are over-the-top affairs. In Bangladesh, outdoor lights are used to announce the upcoming betrothal of a daughter. At a minimum the street adjacent to her family home becomes a tunnel of light. Sometimes entire buildings are decorated (multi-story units). It feels like Christmas for about a week and then they are gone. A huge business exists in providing such displays.

As I lived in a wealthy enclave (the university housing was in a gated community), our streets were disproportionately lit up compared to the rest of the city. Sometimes it seemed there were more "marriage days" than normal days! I must admit that the effect was stunning and after a long day at work, it was nice to return home (especially in winter) via a tunnel of lights.

One of my colleagues got married (I could not attend) and I asked how it went: "oh, it was nice, but a small affair. There were only about 300 people". A big wedding might invite over one thousand. Another big business in Bangladesh is "wedding halls". For anyone who constructed one on their land, they have guaranteed income with very little required other than a roof for guests. Those getting married had to provide all the decorations and food.

Weddings in Bangladesh - super festive (for those with money).