Wedding, reunions take a hit as cash crunch bites

Nagpur: Yaariyan 74, a reunion of class of 74 of St Francis de Sales School, to be organized on Nov 11 has been cancelled. Though avoiding attributing any reason, obliquely many admit the event was hit by demonetization of currency. “Everybody is facing a cash crunch and whatever little amount we are able to withdraw is for more unavoidable expenses,” says Sunil Gangwani, one of the organizers.
Not just reunions, wedding celebrations too are taking a big hit. “There have been no cancellations so far, but the difficulties are ample,” says Micky Arora, owner of Centre Point hotel, Ramdaspeth. “Many vendors are involved like florist, brass band, live counters of paan and juice that are outsourced. All of them have to be paid in cash,” says Arora.
Even the waiters who serve at these functions are not getting tipped as small denomination notes have suddenly become scarce. “People have started getting Rs2000 notes but they are not getting back the change,” he says. Though plastic money is being used to make payments to hotels, these too have an upper limit. “In good faith, we are allowing guests to pay later,” Arora adds.
As wedding season will be in full swing from Nov 12, most caterers had stocked up for the orders in advance. “But for vegetables we will have a problem as they are purchased in cash on the day of function,” says Rushabh Kamdar, owner of Naivedyam restaurants and banquets halls. Kamdar had hoped to use cash from his restaurant sales to fund these purchases. “In the last three days, the sales have dipped,” he says.
Some like flower trader Rajesh Lanjewar are also counting their blessings. “People are now giving me advance and even repaying my old balance in Rs500 and Rs1000 denominations,” he says and adds he is accepting these notes for a day or two more. “In the market, wholesalers are not accepting them and this will create a problem as the wedding season begins from Saturday. I am happy that this has happened as now our business will get streamlined,” he adds.
Stranded for cash, Dr Rajashri Khot, whose son’s wedding is scheduled for Nov 23 in Lucknow, says all the last minute preparations have been hit. “I can’t pay the drycleaner, the tailor or the mehndi artist as they want only cash. I ran short of invitation cards but the printer refused to accept a cheque, so I could not get more printed. I am trying to order vegetables online but now they are refusing same day deliveries. I, my parents and husband will all make some withdrawals and also as my son and his bride both are NRIs. I am now banking on them to exchange currency at airport when they arrive next week,” she says.