In an age of digital payments and QR codes, a Bagpat (Uttar Pradesh) man has caught widespread attention for putting a QR code on his wedding invitation card, asking guests to send ‘shagun’ (gift money) digitally if they are unable to attend the ceremony.
The unique and modern idea was publicised after photos of the wedding card went viral on social media, showing a QR code prominently printed alongside traditional wedding details. Relatives and well-wishers who couldn’t come in person were encouraged to scan the QR code and transfer shagun money online — a departure from the customary practice of giving cash envelopes during wedding celebrations.
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Digital Shagun: Blending Tradition with Technology
The card featured the names of the bride and groom, wedding date and venue, and the QR code linked to a digital payment platform. The idea, the groom’s family explained, was to offer a convenient way for guests to bless the couple financially, especially those staying far away or unable to attend because of work or other commitments.
In recent years, online QR-based payments have become extremely common in India thanks to the proliferation of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and mobile wallets, which allow instant transfers with a simple scan. But the inclusion of a QR code on a wedding invitation card specifically for shagun contributions is still seen as novel and sparked both admiration and amusement online.
Netizens React to the Viral Wedding Invite
Social media users shared mixed reactions to the wedding card. Some praised the groom for embracing digital convenience, calling it “a clever modern twist on a traditional ritual” that reflects how payments and gatherings are evolving in the 21st century.
Others joked about how weddings are becoming increasingly digital, with one user commenting that now even shagun might bypass wallets and go straight into bank accounts without the traditional handshake and smiling blessings.
At the same time, some people said they preferred the traditional way of giving cash envelopes at weddings, saying it felt more personal and rooted in cultural practice.
Wedding Traditions Meet Digital Trends
The use of QR codes for money transfers at weddings is not entirely unprecedented — QR-based payments for gifts have appeared at birthday parties and other social events in recent years — but printing the code as part of the formal wedding invitation is rare enough to attract national attention.
Experts say this trend reflects how digital payment culture is reshaping social norms in India, particularly among younger generations who are comfortable with mobile banking and digital wallets. What was once an in-person ritual of handing over cash now coexists with contactless payment options that suit modern, fast-moving lifestyles.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
