Last night we were in our hotel room watching a movie. I commented to Bruce about the unusual music and noise out in the street. I said that something seemed to be going on outside so we went up onto the rooftop and saw a celebration happening in the courtyard opposite the hotel. We decided to go and have a look.
A brass band dressed in white uniforms sported drums, saxophones, maracas and horns and were eagerly dancing and playing their instruments with great passion beckoning on the wedding festivities about to take place. It was a hive of activity out on the street. Word got around, it seemed, that we were out in the street watching.....women in beautifully gold woven decorated saris and amazing gaudy jewellery came out of the courtyard in droves to chance a glimpse of us. They were smiling and waving, excited to have us there watching. The Brides father sent a friend out to invite us to watch and follow the ceremony. We were very embarrassed as to how we were dressed/ presented. (I had a pair of 3/4 pants and a fairly ordinary top on whilst Bruce hadn't even combed his hair since we quickly went to see what was happening in the dark outside of our hotel)......we weren't exactly prepared for a wedding invite.
Drums, chanting, dancing...I could feel it building to a climax. The official photographer arrived with a spot light that would blind you from a kilometre away I'm sure. Out of the lane way appeared a Cinderella coach covered in jewels and complete with two white horses in all their finery, sure to satisfy any little girls obsession of a fairy tale wedding.
The Groom appeared and climbed into the coach along with his Mother, Sister and a few children. The wedding procession began. It was so exhilarating to see the joy on everyone's faces. Ladies with electric light hats on their heads walked beside the carriage strung together by electric cable attached to a generator being pushed behind the carriage by a man as the procession of followers danced and sang to the deafening music. People came from all around to join in the procession....the beggars on the street even participated. We spoke to locals not unlike ourselves just wanting to see the joyous occassion unfold.
The procession wound around the lane ways for about an hour and a half before reaching the original courtyard once again where the Groom disembarked from his well lit Cinderella carriage and joined in dance with his family and friends. Fire Crackers were ignited and shot into the night skies. The smell of gun powder rich in the air and the noise echoing to and fro off the surrounding buildings made for an exciting atmosphere.
The Groom was hoisted up onto the shoulders of family members and carried around before being carried into the courtyard.
We didn't catch a glimpse of the bride at all.....not sure where she was. But what we experienced was magical and for these opportunities, I am extremely grateful I am here in Incredible India!
Well, definitely the upper class Merryn. Such amazing colour and pagaentry and how very wonderful of them to invite you in. Can't get over the coach and the electric hats!
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Merryn
11/1/2015 07:11:02 pm
Yes Peg......it was amazing. Everyone is so accepting here. :)
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Leisa
13/1/2015 04:50:54 am
How exciting. The carriage was beautiful. I love their colour over there.