04 June,2011 06:40 AM IST | | Priyanka Vora
For their wedding and reception, the city couple sent eco-friendly invites, sent sweets out in clay boxes, refused bouquets, and cancelled the cacophonous bands to avoid causing congestion and noise pollution
When Vivek Tilwani and Manasvi Joshi decided to tie the knot, they determined that the day would be auspicious not only for them, but also for the world around them.
Vivek Tilwani and Manasvi Joshi, who tied the nuptial knot yesterday, got a plantu00a0as a gift as the
couple had requested guests to refrain from giving bouquets or other things that may pollute the environment
The city couple, who exchanged vows last Sunday, will be hosting their reception tomorrow (incidentally World Environment Day) and are going the extra 'green' mile to ensure that the entire affair in no way harms the environment.
"We wanted our wedding to be special, but not one of the usual dog-and-pony shows. Instead of parading our joy in front of others by bursting crackers, we decided to wed each other in a manner that would be eco-friendly," said the groom, Vivek.
For the quiet wedding ceremony that took place at the Tilwani residence, the couple issued invitations made of handmade paper, instead of cardboard. The box of sweets accompanying the invitation was made of clay, and not cardboard.
The invitations included a candid letter, which explained the intention behind the environmentally friendly invites. "Each of the wedding invitations carried notes, which requested guests to refrain from gifting bouquets, or any other objects that might pollute the environment," said Vivek's sister, Dr Kavita Tilwani.
The couple also decided to forego the customary baraat, in order to ensure that they did not add to the congestion already plaguing the Mumbai streets.
They also said a firm no-no to the band baajaa shenanigans, so as to prevent the sound of their revelry from adding to the noise pollution levels in the city.
"As responsible members of society, it is our duty to give back what we have received from mother earth," added Kavita.
The Tilwanis selected an ecotel, Orchid Hotel in Andheri (East), as the venue for their reception. "Though we will not have the usual fanfare that is found in weddings, we will have done our bit for the environment. Hopefully this will influence other couples to follow suit," said the bride Manasvi.
"Weddings inevitably involve gross wastage of food and flowers. This will not be the case at our reception. We will request the guests not to waste food," added Vivek.
A family of doctors, the Tilwanis had always envisioned their son getting married amidst great fanfare. But they were happy to honour their son's wishes.u00a0
Lauding the efforts made by the couple, environmentalist Shardul Bajikar, deputy director, Sanctuary magazine, said, "It is hard to come across people who so zealously make an effort to save the environment on a day that is so significant to them. This is truly worthy of applause. The couple is setting an example for others."
