Shubhangi Shifa
Ranchi, Jan 5: Rising covid-19 cases, fresh curbs, and an early onset of a lockdown in the state have left the live events industry staring at a dismal future yet again with the number of events down by 80% compared to a month ago. As 2020 and 2021 saw the cancellation of many prominent festivals, exhibitions, weddings and concerts in an effort to slow the spread of the virus, several companies have already declared bankruptcy or were forced to lay off significant portions of their staff.
Shubham Gupta, the owner of Vivaah Luxury Weddings, Ranchi, said that though virtual events have taken off, the event industry in the country is in a serious financial crisis. ‘The event management industry in India was expected to cross the Rs 10,000 crore mark by 2021 before the pandemic broke out, but it has suffered a 75% loss this year,’ he said.
“Both offline and online event management companies say while the last few months of 2021 had seen some activity with weddings and other events including small music or comedy gigs and food festivals, particularly as part of New Year festivities, things are back to square one with many states under weekend lockdowns, which is when most people are out. Further, night curfews in the state have once again taken the sheen out of weddings too,” Gupta added.
Manish Sethi of Shagun Events, Ranchi said, ‘In this state of emergency, one’s health and safety is more important, but the losses also cannot be avoided. Facing huge losses after the third wave is inevitable; hence, all I can do is pray to God that we all remain physically and mentally healthy. I also urge people to verify any kind of news before they believe in it and not spread rumours and to follow the health guidelines issued by the state government.’
“The trouble we are facing now is much bigger than our profits and losses. And it is my request to all that we fight against the pandemic on a united front,” Gaurav Vijay of Shagun Events added.
Dheeraj Gupta of Ankha Events, Katahal More said, ‘All events will be lost booked for January and February, as advances have already been paid for several elements including food, sound, flowers, etc. Raw materials for food and flower arrangements remain but fabrication has already been done. In case of a lockdown, even though we might not get a refund, we might have to pay back clients through our own pockets. Maintaining staff in godowns for the upkeep of things is also a must, which shall continue even if there is a lockdown imposed in the near future. I hope everything is manageable.’
“To be sure, unlike earlier, most event management companies are unable to put a finger on an anticipated timeline for recovery this time. The partial reopening of banquets and hotels did make up some for this decline, and would have helped in the long run as well,” said Raj of Marry me Events, Jamshedpur. “But any haphazard efforts on recovery are likely to be termed as callous insensitivity on the part of the authorities,” he pointed out.
