What’s funny about the bride and groom is that although the families are from different cultures within India (still considered less than ideal) they have the same last name, which makes updating documents and things super easy!
Within the wedding itself, I noticed a lot of differences in overall structure, but also a few familiar things. It started with the bride coming out last and sitting on a small wrapped board which will be carried by the married male members of her family over to where the groom is standing.
She covers her face with leaves as a symbol of shyness- I think or maybe like weddings at home where the woman has a veil covering her face at first- same situation. The bride is transported around where the groom is standing numerous times- I want to say 7 times. By this point then men are sweating and rapidly trying to complete the task. (As you can tell by the pained look on Roy’s face in this first picture)
Eventually they are ready to see each other in a sweet moment I was able to capture courtesy of being taller than everyone!
And then the rituals begin. The oldest male is responsible for sitting in on most of the initial rituals. In our case this is Boro Baba, as he is called (aka:Big Daddy) or Naked Uncle as I have referred to him in the past.
Some guests watch, but most wonder away to visit or eat. This is a funny dynamic for me as guests attending a wedding wouldn’t find it necessary to watch the actual wedding happen. I’ve learned early on that this is ‘Indian normal’ and there is a certain flexibility I’ve come to appreciate.
This wedding was considerably shorter than others I’ve attended. It was maybe just an hour max, which is about 1/2 or 1/4 what I’ve seen. Some of the same rituals were done: fire, sindoor (the red powder Hindu women put on the part of their hair as a symbol of being married) and of course the 7 trips around the fire together which ultimately is what ties the knot- celebrated by loud applause and flowers thrown.
The bride and groom them retire to the stage for pictures and gift receiving by all the guests in a scene fit for an Aladdin movie!
Meanwhile, guests ate and danced. This wedding had a DJ (from a Bangalore radio station courtesy of the groom being in the entertainment business as a side job) which was unique and seemed to be enjoyed by most. I personally need a little liquid courage to partake in such activities at this point. See ‘Forbidden Fun’ post for more info!
The bride and groom are last to eat, and guests begin to disperse. By midnight, all was over and we ventured back to the room for some much needed rest.
The last wedding in the books!
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