A metaverse is a network of 3D virtual worlds focused on social connection. In futurism and science fiction, the term is often described as a hypothetical iteration of the Internet as a single, universal virtual world that is facilitated by the use of virtual and augmented reality headsets. Metaverse is the future of augmented reality (AR) with many suspecting that it will take over our life and daily activities. Whether it will be for the good or bad is something that is there to be debated and cannot be precisely assumed, but it is for sure have made itself introduced in India with the recent news of “India’s first ever metaverse wedding” and that too in the theme of Hogwarts.

A young couple from South India is planning India’s first ever wedding reception in the metaverse on 6th  February. There were 2000 invited guests for the occasion, which is 20 times the limit that has been imposed in real life due to coronavirus restrictions. The main reason behind organising their big day in metaverse is the limitation that lockdown and virus has imposed and they were of the opinion that the current situation should not spoil such an important day in their life. Through this virtual world of metaverse, they can invite people from around the world to attend the special occasion. Because of metaverse, all their relatives and friends can at least attend the wedding virtually and as a result they are not only making their big day special but also abiding by the covid rules and regulations regarding social gatherings. 

The couple, Mr Dinesh and Ms Ramaswamy are both part of the technology industry with the bridegroom works in blockchain technology and the bride is an IT professional. Their understanding and interest in exploring the potentiality of the metaverse along with the desire to prevent their big day from spoiling due to covid, have led to this monumental choice. As both of them are huge “Harry Potter” fans – Potterheads, they opted for the Hogwarts theme. 

They spent $1,400 on creating a castle-like digital space inspired by Hogwarts, the school attended by the fictional young wizard, to host the reception. The couple also created a 3D avatar of Ms Ramaswamy’s late father, who died in April from non-Covid related issues, to attend the celebration. The couple will have a traditional Tamil ceremony in the morning with limited guests, followed by an hour-long digital reception in the evening. Each guest for the reception has been sent an invitation in the form of a non-fungible token – exclusive digital content that they get to own. They will also be able to customise their avatar’s appearance and outfit for the event.

They have also planned a music contest for the occasion and have also invited VIPs and celebrated for delivering speeches.