India: The Story Continues

When we finally arrived at the wedding site, it was time for the bride's family to take over the festivities. There was a HUGE buffet dinner - probably more selection than at a Luby's. Of course, the munchkins went straight for the Chinese rice and noodles.

There was a main seating area around the food that overlooked the huge platform with 'thrones' for the bride and groom. There was a tent area with seating for men and women from the bride and groom's sides. Under the tent area were two ceremonial areas. The first area was a white square with a small fire in the middle and loads of flowers. The second area was a raised and covered area (like a little stage) covered in flowers.

As people arrived, certain guests were given garlands of fresh flowers. Munchkin #2 was very pleased about that! Munchkin #1 wasn't too sure what to think! Certain guests sat near the white square ceremonial area - men and women separately. Some male guests were wrapped in turbans, and my husband got one. The turbans were a from the bride's father. My husband still has his and was VERY pleased and honored to have a received one.

At this point, the munchkins realized that this was a safe grassy place filled with kids from the two families. Since the local kids spoke English, my munchkins were soon roving around with the pack and having a blast! Munchkin #1 commented at the end of the evening, "Wow, I've made so many new friends in India." Excellent.

It was now time for a bit of ceremony. The groom and the bride's father sit facing one another with the little fire between them on the white square area. My husband was asked to sit with the groom (yet another honor). Evidently, this was time for ritual and final 'negotiations' between the groom and the bride's family.

After the ceremony among the men on the square was over, it was time for the bride to make an appearance. And what a bride she was! Beautiful does not describe her. She came into the tent area covered with a red shawl/veil with gold trim. After women in her family removed the cover, we could all see her extraordinary dress. First, her hands were so covered in intricate henna/menhdi designs you could barely see her skin. Her dress was brilliant red with aqua blue accents and absolutely dripping with sparkling little white gems. Her hair was 'done up' and pinned in the back. The back of her hair was a lovely mass of ringlet curls. (By the way, the groom was also handsome and truly looked like a king of old in his wedding finery.) The bride was then recovered by ladies in her family and walked up to the platform area with the two 'thrones' to be with the groom.

Once the bride and groom were up on the platform, they exchanged garlands in a bit of ceremony. It's part of the fun for the bride and groom to make it a bit difficult for each other to get the garlands on their partner. After wedding photos of the bride and groom, it was time for guests to give the couple blessings. This could be words or words and gifts. For many, this is words and a gift of cash.

After the blessings, most people had gone home at this point. We had a cup of coffee and visited with people a while longer. The families of the bride and groom stay all night and the final actual wedding ceremony is done in the wee hours of the morning with just the families present. So even after all that had taken place so far, the bride and groom were still not fully married!

After a brief rest, it was time for us to part ways with Ms. P. We truly enjoyed her laughter and now friendship.

On the drive back into Mumbai/Bombay, I unfortunately became quite ill. Rather than stopping the car, it was easier just to hang my head out the window. For those of you who remember the teft stacks in Ethiopia, just opening the window was much easier than dealing with the alternative! We arrived at the airport with time to spare, and I was grateful to find a Subway with Sprite and comfy reclining type chairs near our gate. I used my long shawl as a blanket and gratefully passed out. (FYI: at the wedding there was no booze and no meat.) It was several days before I could really eat again.

I don't remember much of the flights home, but even with having to be out sick from work for three days, our trip to India was TOTALLY worth it. I am so grateful to the groom for the invitation and the hospitality of all those we met. I only wish I could help the bride adjust to her new country (My new friend if you are reading this - where you are moving to is a wonderful place, and I can't wait to go out for coffee with you there sometime!). Blessings to all of you.