The Punjabi mind is simply brilliant at finding a solution to problems, and that too without breaking the law. Well sometimes!
Which is why I am not sure if this episode that I am relating is law abiding or circumventing the law?
In the last couple of decades an ‘industry’ has mushroomed in Punjab. Marriage Palaces! It catered to the Punjabi over-the-top ego. Fuelled by a love for food, drink, noise, in short anything in Excessive Indulgence. The Sanskrit phrase for this is Ati Sarvatra Varjayit.
The Marriage Palace had many spokes to support its functioning. Renting the Marriage Palace ground itself cost money. Then you had to rent chairs and tables, shamiyanas, music system, singers, dancers, DJs, waiters and more.
You also had to buy flowers. Then the most important ingredient, food and drinks! There was no limit to the number of the guests.
Very important it provides employment to thousands. The sale of liquor boosted the State coffers by Crores. It was a-win-win enjoy-enjoy situation.
Then came Corona, Curfew. Lock down. Stay home. Social -distancing. Wear a mask. Life came to a grinding halt!
Religious institutions were closed but I don’t think anyone noticed that. I personally really appreciated it. No loud speakers to knock me out of bed at 4 o’clock in the morning!
Finally the rules for lockdown, curfew and social gatherings were relaxed.
Marriage Palaces could have a maximum of 30 guests. 30 guests? No Marriage Palace can function catering to 30 guests. It is simply not cost effective.
Another relaxation. Buses could ply with 52 passengers.
With a sigh of relief the nimble and able Punjabi mind went to work. The major problem was the 30 guests allowed in a Marriage Palace at a time.
The breakeven point was a number of 250 guests at the Marriage Palace to make the function viable. Firing up the tandoor, chopping chicken and onions and other vegetables for 30 guest was a waste of time and effort.
So this was the solution. The Marriage Palace four buses for the guests. 52 passengers per bus equals 208 guests. Plus 30 allowed inside. Total 238 guests. A very cost effective figure. The parking lot was cordoned off, not open to the public or police.
The party blasted off with the usual fan-fare, noise, drinks, snacks. Drinks and tikkas were served to the guest in the buses.
Every 20 minutes the bouncers, 2 or 3 to each bus, would escort 30 guests to the dance floor in the main hall. The guests inside would be escorted back to the buses. This kept the guests within legal limits. This rotation of guest continued throughout the evening till the party broke up.
No laws had been broken! A good time was had by all, specially the Marriage Palace and all the spokes that supported it.
They all laughed their way to the bank!
