Source: Outlook India

Wire Service: PTI

http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=305744

On June 21, 2005 the Press Trust of India reported, "The lone pandit of Mattan town in Anantnag district of south Kashmir is a relieved man today, his daughter married off with a helping hand from Muslim neighbours. 'They not only decorated my house for the bridegroom's reception, but made each and every arrangement including "rangoli" (typical of Kashmiri pandit marriages). For the past many days, they have been coming to my house and helping with the wedding chores,' Madan Lal Raina told reporters today. The womenfolk sang 'wanwun' (Kashmiri marriage songs) the whole night on 'mehndiraat' and during the reception of the 'baaraat', he said. His daughter Sharda's wedding was held yesterday in a slight departure from tradition as the local Imam and other village elders were among those who received the bridgegroom. 'By coming here, we are not favouring Raina but just performing our duties towards a neighbour,' said Peer Jeelani, the Imam. He said a Hindu marriage was being solemnised after a very long time considering there was only one such family in the neighbourhood."