New Delhi, May 8 -- In a symbolic act of patriotism, a groom in Bihar delayed his wedding by over two hours to participate in a nationwide civil defence mock drill held on May 7.

Sushant Kushwaha, a resident of Purnia district, was scheduled to lead his wedding procession (baraat) to his bride's house in Araria district-about 40 kilometres away-at 6 PM, on Wednesday. However, he surprised many by choosing to prioritise his participation in Operation Abhyaas, a countrywide civil preparedness exercise designed to simulate air strikes, rescue operations and emergency response scenarios.

According to NDTV, Kushwaha had informed his family the previous day of his decision after learning that Purnia was among the 244 districts selected for th...