The Wedding
The ceremony began around 7:45am. You could tell by the music (an ensemble) and the frantic activity surrounding PK (the groom). There was no moment, as you might think, where people were asked to be seated. Nor was there a moment when everyone was, in fact, seated. The entire ceremony took place with the bride and groom encircled by their family and a group of video and still photographers. Therefore, in order to observe, you had to be willing to elbow your way in through the photographers. John (a fellow friend of PK's and Boulderite) and I did our best.
Aside from the chaotic setting, the ceremony was very interesting and fun to watch; oh, and the backdrop was spectacular. I doubt that either Raji (the bride) or PK knew the symbolism behind a goodly portion of the acts that they were asked to perform: Everything from washing the feet of the parents, to hitting Raji's brother with an umbrella and storming off, to blessing a coconut (I think that was what they did with it). That said, they took their charge with zeal and by 9am they were married, signified by the tying of a golden band around Raji's neck. Their day had just begun.
The marriage ceremony was followed by breakfast. Since everyone, perhaps 150-200 people, was eating with their hands, it was hard to refuse. This provided much entertainment to those around us; eating with your hands is actually more difficult than you might imagine; unless you are eating a hot dog, of course. After this meal, I was completely stuffed.
The reception began with music, much like the wedding; PK's father had invited a famous violin player to perform; he was accompanied by other musicians on a variety of Indian instruments, the names of which I have forgotten. Besides the music, the reception is mostly an opportunity to present a gift with the bride and groom as well as have your picture taken with them. The queue for this was 30-40 people deep from 6pm until 9pm. Of course, dinner was served as well and it was yet another opportunity to spill food upon my clothing while attempting to eat with my hands. This meal was amazing and there were these peppers that were out of sight.
After I presented my gift at around 9pm, I headed back to the hotel. I had an early flight to Delhi, which is a nice segue into my present circumstance. I am in Delhi at the moment. I'll be here as well tomorrow and then Agra Sunday, followed by Jaipur. I'll write more about this later. (I haven't proofed this post. Sorry.)
Aside from the chaotic setting, the ceremony was very interesting and fun to watch; oh, and the backdrop was spectacular. I doubt that either Raji (the bride) or PK knew the symbolism behind a goodly portion of the acts that they were asked to perform: Everything from washing the feet of the parents, to hitting Raji's brother with an umbrella and storming off, to blessing a coconut (I think that was what they did with it). That said, they took their charge with zeal and by 9am they were married, signified by the tying of a golden band around Raji's neck. Their day had just begun.
The marriage ceremony was followed by breakfast. Since everyone, perhaps 150-200 people, was eating with their hands, it was hard to refuse. This provided much entertainment to those around us; eating with your hands is actually more difficult than you might imagine; unless you are eating a hot dog, of course. After this meal, I was completely stuffed.
The reception began with music, much like the wedding; PK's father had invited a famous violin player to perform; he was accompanied by other musicians on a variety of Indian instruments, the names of which I have forgotten. Besides the music, the reception is mostly an opportunity to present a gift with the bride and groom as well as have your picture taken with them. The queue for this was 30-40 people deep from 6pm until 9pm. Of course, dinner was served as well and it was yet another opportunity to spill food upon my clothing while attempting to eat with my hands. This meal was amazing and there were these peppers that were out of sight.
After I presented my gift at around 9pm, I headed back to the hotel. I had an early flight to Delhi, which is a nice segue into my present circumstance. I am in Delhi at the moment. I'll be here as well tomorrow and then Agra Sunday, followed by Jaipur. I'll write more about this later. (I haven't proofed this post. Sorry.)
posted by Derek at 8:04 AM
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