I have always wanted to go to an Indian wedding. I went to one when I was seven, but I'm not sure that counts, as I can't really remember it. Anyway, going to an Indian wedding has been firmly on the to-do list for our time in India. The obvious first step is being invited to one, but Indians are generally kind hospitable people who invite many family, friends and not-so-close acquaintances to their weddings, so we were pleased when the first opportunity came up last week.
As my team at work is growing quickly, I've spent lots of time interviewing candidates and we have recently made an offer to a student actuary who is joining us in February, following his wedding and honeymoon. A few days ago, he arrived at our office, completely unexpectedly, to hand over a wedding invitation! Excellent. I would be more than happy to represent work at this event.
My original plan was to go in a sari, and I tried on a few options at a colleague's house, but for various practical and protocol related reasons, it was eventually decided that I should wear western dress instead and save the sari for another time. The wedding invitation indicated that this is a traditional Maharashrian wedding (apparently) which differs from a big Hindu wedding in that (i) the ceremony tends to be smaller and quicker; and (ii) it takes place in the morning followed by lunch rather than being an all night affair.
We arrived at the wedding hall at 1030, where the guests were entering the hall. All the men seemed to be going in first so Phil and I split up at this stage in an attempt to follow the correct protocol. Once inside, we watched the various ceremonial activities which involved lots of music, dancing and singing. The bride arrived by being carried to the groom in a ceremonial seat held over the heads of six men and the dresses / jewelry / make-up of the bride (and everyone in fact) was stunning. After the initial procession, the bride and groom processed up to the stage where they sat and performed various other traditional rituals, which seemed to involve lots of walking round a (real) fire. After two hours of so, this all seemed to be over and we were able to go up and greet and congratulate the bride and groom.
Whilst all this was going on, waiters (wearing rather unusual and cool Chicago gangster hats) handed out fruit juice and Indian nibbles to keep everyone entertained. The guests were happily socialising whilst the ceremony was going on, very different to a church wedding in the UK.
With the ceremony over, and rather full of nibbles, we were ready to head off shortly after 1300, but the man at the door insisted that we go downstairs for lunch. This was incredible, and explained the reduction in the number of guests upstairs. There was a vast dining halls with many food stations serving delicious goodies. We paced ourselves, knowing that we would be running the next day, but it really was delicious. Phil made a slight error with the range of mouth freshening sweets that he sampled, which were a little potent even for Phil, but the food was otherwise delicious.
One stark difference between this Hindu wedding and a typical UK wedding was that no alcohol is served, but you genuinely didn't miss it. The colour, energy, singing and dancing was more than enough in itself.
We were the only non-Indians at the wedding where there were hundreds of guests. We clearly stood out, but many people were friendly and welcoming to us, even if there was a bit of a language barrier at times. We felt very welcome and pleased that Vishwa and Dhara had invited us to share their day.
As my team at work is growing quickly, I've spent lots of time interviewing candidates and we have recently made an offer to a student actuary who is joining us in February, following his wedding and honeymoon. A few days ago, he arrived at our office, completely unexpectedly, to hand over a wedding invitation! Excellent. I would be more than happy to represent work at this event.
My original plan was to go in a sari, and I tried on a few options at a colleague's house, but for various practical and protocol related reasons, it was eventually decided that I should wear western dress instead and save the sari for another time. The wedding invitation indicated that this is a traditional Maharashrian wedding (apparently) which differs from a big Hindu wedding in that (i) the ceremony tends to be smaller and quicker; and (ii) it takes place in the morning followed by lunch rather than being an all night affair.
We arrived at the wedding hall at 1030, where the guests were entering the hall. All the men seemed to be going in first so Phil and I split up at this stage in an attempt to follow the correct protocol. Once inside, we watched the various ceremonial activities which involved lots of music, dancing and singing. The bride arrived by being carried to the groom in a ceremonial seat held over the heads of six men and the dresses / jewelry / make-up of the bride (and everyone in fact) was stunning. After the initial procession, the bride and groom processed up to the stage where they sat and performed various other traditional rituals, which seemed to involve lots of walking round a (real) fire. After two hours of so, this all seemed to be over and we were able to go up and greet and congratulate the bride and groom.
Ceremonial carriage
The groom with leaves
Lots of very colourful women
Whilst all this was going on, waiters (wearing rather unusual and cool Chicago gangster hats) handed out fruit juice and Indian nibbles to keep everyone entertained. The guests were happily socialising whilst the ceremony was going on, very different to a church wedding in the UK.
Gangster waiter
The bridal party on the stage
There were lots of camera stations and video cameras in the hall
With the ceremony over, and rather full of nibbles, we were ready to head off shortly after 1300, but the man at the door insisted that we go downstairs for lunch. This was incredible, and explained the reduction in the number of guests upstairs. There was a vast dining halls with many food stations serving delicious goodies. We paced ourselves, knowing that we would be running the next day, but it really was delicious. Phil made a slight error with the range of mouth freshening sweets that he sampled, which were a little potent even for Phil, but the food was otherwise delicious.
One of many Ganeshas
At the entrance to the hall
The band - very loud!
The basement of the hall with a huge array of food
One stark difference between this Hindu wedding and a typical UK wedding was that no alcohol is served, but you genuinely didn't miss it. The colour, energy, singing and dancing was more than enough in itself.
We were the only non-Indians at the wedding where there were hundreds of guests. We clearly stood out, but many people were friendly and welcoming to us, even if there was a bit of a language barrier at times. We felt very welcome and pleased that Vishwa and Dhara had invited us to share their day.
Really very nice to see and looks very great one.Thanks for sharing the information with us.
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