Elephants hijack weddings in Jalpaiguri village, turning celebrations into wild disasters and wedding delays

Residents of Bhandarkura village in the Dhupguri block of Jalpaiguri are struggling with frequent wild elephant invasions that have led to the disruption of daily life and social events, particularly weddings. The village, located in the Moraghat Range of the Jalpaiguri Forest Division, lies close to dense forest areas inhabited by elephants. These herds regularly venture into the village, causing damage to property, crops, and homes, and creating a persistent atmosphere of fear among the residents. This has made it increasingly difficult for families to carry out weddings, with several ceremonies being delayed or canceled.

In one notable incident, the arranged marriage of Sanjit Roy, a young man from Bhandarkura, was called off shortly before the wedding date. Sanjit's uncle and maternal uncle visited the bride's house and discovered elephant footprints behind the home. Fearing that the elephants might cause chaos during the wedding, the relatives decided to cancel the ceremony. This situation has become a recurring problem in the village, with many other wedding plans similarly disrupted due to the elephants' presence.

Elephant herds often cause significant destruction when they enter the village. In one case, a marriage had been finalized, with a feast prepared to welcome the bride's relatives. However, just before the event, a herd of elephants invaded the area, destroying several houses and agricultural fields. The resulting damage and panic forced the family to postpone the wedding. In another instance, crops were damaged, and the surrounding area was left in disarray, leading to further cancellations and delays of marriage ceremonies.

Despite the ongoing threat of elephant invasions, some villagers have proceeded with wedding plans, taking precautions to protect their homes and guests. These families have become accustomed to the occasional presence of elephants and try to ensure the safety of the ceremony by limiting outdoor gatherings and reinforcing structures. However, many others remain fearful of further destruction, leading to the postponement or complete cancellation of weddings. Some families have even decided to leave the village, seeking safer areas away from the elephants' paths.

The issue has been reported to local authorities, and the villagers have expressed concern to the forest department. However, there has been no substantial intervention to mitigate the problem. The elephants, coming from the nearby forested areas, continue to pose a significant threat to both the safety and the social lives of the villagers. As a result, Bhandarkura remains in a state of uncertainty, with villagers waiting for a solution to the ongoing conflict with wildlife. The issue highlights the growing tension between human settlements and wildlife in the region, particularly in areas where forests and human habitation intersect.