We had some time before the wedding, so we went to explore the Pune Zoo. It was a nice chance to stroll through some trees and see some more of the city. Not a massive zoo, but pleasant enough.
After the zoo, we spent 10 rupees (500 rupees equals about $10 U.S.) getting 'fake' henna. Fun stuff, but mine kept wiping off so I just finally washed it all off. But, it was fun for a few hours.
Before heading back to the hotel for a snooze and to get ready for the wedding, Ms. P took us to an old 16th-17th century fort. The best/coolest part of the fort was the big entrance doors. They were HUGE - big enough for an elephant. But, the door had huge metal spikes at about elephant head height to keep out invaders who might be tempted to use elephant power to push in the doors! Cool stuff.
After a nap, it was wedding time. I didn't use/have a hair dryer and hair spray, so ladies in my family - take note. In the email pics, that's not what my hair always looks like.
Along with Ms. P, our driver took us to the groom's hotel for the start of the procession. We had yummy snacks and coffee. Then, to our surprise, we were invited up to the groom's room. He was so happy/excited to see my husband, that he lifted my husband up off his feet! So, we got to hang out with each other for a bit before the photographers all got going with the pre-wedding photos.
Time for the processional. There was a band dressed in yellow (the drummers were the best part), a lorry/jeep looking thing with loud speakers, 4 horses, the car with our groom, and all the cars of the people walking/dancing in the procession.
The walkers/dancers in the procession were surrounded by people walking with gas lanterns on their heads lighting the way. People along the street stopped to watch the procession. Members of the groom's family threw money during parts of the procession to 'ward off the evil eye' from people in the crowd. I never saw an 'evil eye,' but I did startle a group of giggling little boys who I think were daring each other to run up and poke the blonde lady in the backside (I only got poked once). They whooped pretty loudly when I turned around when I heard them coming for a second poke, smiled and said loudly in English, "Hi there!" All good fun.
Munchkin #1 was pretty unnerved by the crowds around the procession and the procession itself, but Munchkin #2 was all into it especially when she got to get on one of the horses for a quick ride. Munchkin #1 spent a little time in the 'dance circle,' and Munchkin #2 went into the circle of dancers in the arms of the groom's father while the father threw some more rupees. Wonder what kind of memories the munchkins made that night? For the husband and I, it felt like a small non-drunken kind of Mardi Gras. Great fun.
Well, time to go clean myself up a bit after a day of lazing around the house. More wedding story later!
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Be peaceful and respectful.