BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhuanet) -- At least the global economic meltdown is doing some good to Somalis; bringing an end to traditional lavish marriage celebrations, if only for time being!

    Twenty-one couples shared a joint wedding in Somalia Tuesday at a hotel in Hargeisa, capital of Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland. The ceremony also marked the beginning of somewhat "austere way" of marriage celebrations, which are becoming increasingly unaffordable, especially at a time of economic slump.

    The function, which was arranged by Telsom, a telecoms company that employs all the bridegrooms, was celebrated separately by men and women since the region is staunchly Muslim.

    The expense of a traditional wedding is driving some young Somalis to leave their homeland.

    Sheikh Mohamed Sheikh Omar Dirir, one of the area's most prominent religious leaders, told guests, "One of the reasons why the youth migrate is (that) weddings are expensive, and I appeal to the community to simplify marriage by reducing the cost."

    (Agencies)