A number of brides and their families, stressed out by the thought of troops of monkeys invading their wedding venue, are opting for the services of langurs. As a result, langur-handlers are much in demand during the winter wedding season with charges for hiring an ape varying between Rs 1,500 to Rs 10,000. "In case of weddings where we have got previous intimation, we usually charge between Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000. However, if we are called to the wedding venue in case of an emergency where monkeys are found scaring away guests, our rates can vary between Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. Many wedding venue owners have now started contracting us on a monthly basis by paying Rs 30-60k during the peak marriage season," says a langur owner. With winter weddings increasingly being held at open-air venues, many brides have already faced a simian scare. Like 29-year-old Amita Singh for instance. The excitement of her wedding, which took place last week, was quickly replaced by shock, when she found a group of monkeys chattering away close to the chair where she was seated. "I was so scared that I fell off my chair," says the new bride, still shivering at the memory. "My make-up and dress were completely spoiled and I was rushed to a doctor for a precautionary anti-rabies medicine." Not willing to take further risk, her parents insisted on hiring a langur for the couple's wedding reception. Many other worried parents, too, have been following suit. Incidentally, the city reports numerous instances of monkey bites every day. According to a rough estimate by doctors of SN Medical College, 50-60 cases of monkey bite are reported at the college every month.
