Srinagar, Sept. 26 -- In the serene valleys of Kashmir, marriage has traditionally been much more than the union of two individuals. It has been a deeply rooted cultural, religious and communal milestone, bringing together families, relatives, neighbours and the wider community. The nikah provided the spiritual foundation, while rituals, hospitality, food and collective participation gave the occasion its cultural character. A Kashmiri wedding was not simply an event to be attended; it was a social experience in which people shared happiness, responsibilities, blessings and memories. Yet the character of urban Kashmiri marriages, particularly in Srinagar and other towns, appears to be changing rapidly. The influence of consumer culture, s...