Man takes baraat on cycle to spread awareness on Covid norms, environment in UP's Pratapgarh

PRAYAGRAJ: As the dawn struck on Friday, a man in a face shield embarked on a 10km journey from Bojhi to Rajgarh village in the neighbouring Pratapgarh district. This was not to ward off claustrophobia that has come with fresh Covid restrictions but to solemnize his wedding.
Searing heat failed to be a deterrent as Vinay Kumar was also accompanied by a group of green activists. The motive behind their arduous journey was to create a message about environment protection and encourage the use of masks to battle the ferocious second wave of coronavirus.
Vinay works in a private factory in Pratapgarh and actively participates in environment awareness campaigns.As the groom reached the village on the bicycle along with the limited baraatis, residents praised their noble gesture.
Vinay’s family members said, they took the decision to check unnecessary expenses during the pandemic and create awareness about environment conservation. They invited limited number of guests to adhere to social distancing.
Head of Paryawaran Sena, an organisation working for environment protection, Ajay Krantikari, said: “ We have been constantly promoting the concept of ‘green weddings’ in villages, blocks and cities across the country... In the corona period, limited baratis paddled from one village to another to spread the message of social distancing and wearing of masks.”
All the baraatis were wearing masks and maintaining adequate distance from each other while paddling from Bojhi village to Rajgarh. Locals were also seen clicking photographs and shooting videos of the unique ‘baraat’.
In fact, it was Krantikari, who convinced Vinay and his family members to ride a bicycle to the bride’s home. Krantikari said, more and more people are joining the Harit Viwah campaign across the state.