Wedding hall owners have sought a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate and electricity charges, saying it is a seasonal affair for them with only 45 auspicious Muhurtham days in a year. “Even if we add other functions that happen in the halls, we are busy only about 60 days in a year. This barely covers our expenses. We have to maintain the hall, electrical and kitchen equipment, chairs and tables, air conditioning and pay the staff throughout the year,” said A. John Amalraj, state president of the Tamil Nadu Wedding Proprietors Association.
The Tamil Nadu Marriage Hall Owners Association, South India Marriage Hall Owners Federation and All Kalyana Mandapam Owners Association, representing around 25,000 halls, have jointly written to the respective state governments and the Center for a significant reduction in the GST rates applicable to marriage halls. “We have strong competition from hotels that benefit from meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) and smaller venues. We are not even allowed to host exhibitions. The current rate of 18% should be reduced to 5% if the industry needs to survive,” added John Amalraj.
Vel. So. Isaikalaivan, honorary president, Federation of Wedding Hall Owners of South India, said state electricity authorities should consider providing a special board for marriage halls. “Wedding halls should be exempted from peak electricity charges. We are unnecessarily passing the charge on to customers who come to us once in a lifetime.”
Associations also sought a revision of the classification of trade licenses so that their halls could host a wider range of activities. “Non-marital events such as exhibitions, discounts, meetings, fairs and road shows could be held in our halls, which would enable better utilization of the facilities throughout the year,” added Mr. Isaikalaivan.
Published – 14 Jan 2026 22:02 IST
