Sabbalpur Diara that could soon host weddings for couples wishing for some exclusivity to their ceremonies

Patna, Nov. 20: Banquet halls, clubs or open lawns could go out of fashion in the marriage market. For, the state tourism department is mulling over offering wedding packages under its Sabbalpur Diara Island River Project.

If the Sabbalpur Diara project takes off according to the plan, couples eager for some exclusivity could leave behind oft-used options and book the riverine island for their special day.

In the middle of the Ganga, the site could be a sought-after venue for would-be husbands and wives. They would not have to worry about transportation, as Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation’s (BSTDC’s) floatel, MV Ganga Vihar, would be at the guests’ service.

Besides, it would offer grooms the opportunity to arrive at the marriage venue on camels.

State tourism minister Sunil Kumar “Pintu” told The Telegraph: “We are considering to offer island wedding packages under our Sabbalpur Diara Island River Project. We have started the process of selecting the agency that would provide the various facilities, like food courts, sitting lounges and camel rides, at the diara. If the plan for special wedding packages materialises, the department would make lighting and security arrangements apart from the regular facilities at the sandbar. We might also involve wedding planners to design the packages for the proposed island weddings.”

The minister added that efforts were being made to start the regular facilities under the project by December.

Shouvik Narain, one of the partners in city-based event management company Kosha Fantasy, said: “The idea of organising weddings at Sabbalpur Diara seems to be highly innovative. If the government provides us security and lighting arrangements and ensures transportation of the guests, we can surely organise grand events at the diara. I would love to discuss various aspects of this scheme with the tourism department.”

At Sabbalpur Diara, the BSTDC has plans to set up two temporary food courts covered on three sides with a canopy on top. Two big and two small sitting lounges that would seat 18 and eight people, respectively, and 12 eco-friendly river view benches are also on the cards.

“We have floated tenders for the various facilities to be provided at Sabbalpur Diara and are likely to award the tenders by the end of this month. As all the facilities are temporary, the selected companies would not take much time to finalise the work and begin operations,” said BSTDC general manager Shailendra Kumar.

An aeromodelling show at the diara is also on the radar of the authorities. The BSTDC general manager said the corporation is in talks with a company known for organising such shows. “The group organises spectacular aeromodelling shows using remote control-operated model aircraft. We are likely to involve them in the riverine project,” added Shailendra.