Upon arrival at the opulent banquet hall, guests were greeted not by the usual aromatic allure of rich curries and sizzling kebabs, but by elegantly designed menu cards resembling nutritional charts more befitting a dietitian's office than a wedding celebration. Each dish was accompanied by its caloric content, macronutrient breakdown, and a gentle reminder of the recommended daily intake.
The appetiser section featured items such as "Air-Kissed Paneer Tikka" at 150 calories per skewer and "Virtuous Veggie Spring Rolls" baked to perfection, boasting a modest 120 calories each. The pièce de résistance, however, was the "Guilt-Free Gajar Halwa," a dessert crafted with stevia and almond milk, clocking in at a mere 180 calories per serving.
"We wanted our wedding to reflect our lifestyle and encourage our loved ones to make healthier choices," said Priya, the radiant bride, as she sipped on a green smoothie. "After all, love is sweet, but diabetes isn't."
The initiative comes in the wake of increasing health consciousness among urban Indians. A study by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, revealed that the city wastes approximately 943 tonnes of quality food during weddings annually, enough to feed 2.6 crore people a normal Indian meal . This staggering statistic has prompted some couples to rethink the lavishness traditionally associated with Indian wedding feasts.
However, not all guests were enamoured with the health-centric approach. Uncle Sharma, a self-proclaimed connoisseur of butter chicken, was seen forlornly poking at his "Lean Mean Chicken Curry," lamenting, "Back in my day, weddings were about indulgence. What's next? Yoga sessions instead of dancing?"
Social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions to the couple's unconventional menu. While some netizens praised the creativity and health awareness, others couldn't resist a jab. One Twitter user quipped, "Attended a wedding where the menu had calorie counts. Ate the menu; it was only 5 calories."
Caterers, too, are adapting to this burgeoning trend. Manoj Bhatia, owner of Bhatia Caterers in Kanpur, noted a significant uptick in requests for healthier options. "The fondness for low-calorie food at weddings has definitely grown among Kanpurites," he observed .
In response to the health wave, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has mandated that restaurant chains and online food aggregators display calorie counts on their menus . While this regulation primarily targets eateries, its influence is palpably extending into the realm of private events.
Nutritionists have lauded the couple's initiative. Dr. Meera Nair, a Bengaluru-based dietitian, remarked, "Incorporating calorie information into social events is a commendable step towards public health awareness. It empowers individuals to make informed dietary choices, even during celebrations."
Yet, some traditionalists view this trend as an encroachment on cultural norms. Mrs. Iyer, an octogenarian guest, reminisced, "Weddings were once a time to forget diets and relish the richness of our cuisine. This new approach feels a bit... clinical."