On Friday night, we attended our very first 'officially invited' Indian wedding reception for one of Bruce's workmates, Pranav to wed his stunning bride Divya. It was an arranged marriage between the parents. The couple have met on several supervised visits over the past ten months to get to know one another.
Gujarati Indian weddings usually run for three days. It begins with the 'Ring Ceremony' where the groom is honoured. You've seen my photos previously of the beautiful horse drawn carriage and guests dancing in a 'Ring'......hence called the 'Ring Ceremony'. As this ceremony was held on Ahmadabad, we didn't go to this part of the wedding which was held on Thursday. On Friday morning, the actual marriage ceremony took place in Ahmadabad also as this is where Pranav's bride Divya is from. Ahmadabad is approximately a two hour drive north of Vadodara. We did not attend this either....it is mostly attended by close family and friends and has very long rituals which last for the greater part of the day. The couple traveled back to Vadodara for the reception. The reception follows the marriage ceremony and for this, the celebration is large and very important to all involved. Regardless of the financial status of the family, the grooms parents throw an elaborate celebration to welcome the newly acquainted couple into wedlock.
Our First Indian Wedding was no exception......whilst only relatively small for Indian standards, the reception embraced approximately 800 invited guests. The red carpet was rolled out in anticipation of the arriving guests and the newly weds. Flowers, white and red satin fabric lined the open air celebration ground which was called 'Common Plot', plastic chairs lined up perfectly in straight lines for guests to sit faced the highly lit stage where golden lounges with red and gold embossed cushions faced the huge audience of beautifully dressed guests. The two front row seats for guests were bench type silver backed cushion padded seats and looked very comfortable.......guess where we were seated? Yes you guessed it....right at the front. Pride of place! To invite Westerners to your wedding, it's considered to be very prestigious and will position the family higher in the community. So guessing that Bruce and I along with Bruce's Boss who is currently temporarily visiting India from Brisbane gave the family the status they required.
The gorgeous couple arrived, and walked the well lit red carpet aisle to the stage where was their prime place of positioning for the night in front of shimmering spangled drapes which perfectly reflected the huge voltage lights shining onto the 'stars' of the night. Family units one by one went up onto the stage to congratulate the newly weds sitting with Pranav's parents. Pranav beckoned for Bruce and I to come up on stage. I precariously negotiated the stairs onto the stage with my full length sari, careful not to disrobe myself by one false move. We were greeted by his parents and gifted them with our card and money. It felt like Paparazzi Central......formal photographers snapped countless snaps of the couple and ourselves. Pranav's Mother held my hand tight reluctant to let go and thanked us whole heartedly for attending their sons wedding....family members took smartphone pics from every angle.....I'm sure we'll be on every mantle piece in India today. I felt a little sad for the bride and groom that we seemed to unintentionally over rule and be the elected stars of the show.
The Bride and Groom both bend over and touch the lower legs of family elders. We are not sure what this is for but it did seem an integral part of the ceremony and was photographed by many.
Dinner was a buffet of traditional Gujarati food...whilst it looked fabulous and smelt even better, we heeded caution and didn't eat. The food was being prepared in the dirt in a make-shift kitchen behind the service area.
Guests wore wonderfully glittery saris and beautiful makeup.
We were honoured to be part of this amazing tradition and to be a part of the start of Pranav and Divya's new life together.
How fascinating Merryn! Is it just a matter of personal preference as to whether ladies show their bellies or not? Also, saw a couple of ladies in tunics in the photos...also just a matter of choice?
I was wondering about your food. Interesting (but understandable) that you avoided eating. When I was there years ago, despite drinking only bottled water, food hot out of oil & in "restaurants", (think this must have been my downfall), I was constantly gastrointestinally ummm challenged. I assume you guys must have a pretty strong constitution? Lol. Looks like you had a fab & colourful night! 😀
Reply
Merryn
31/1/2015 08:40:53 am
Yes Peg, it is just a preference matter on whether you wear your sari with belly showing on not. I wasn't showing my 'white' belly to anyone. Maybe if I had gorgeous brown skin like the Indian women, I may not have been so shy..Lol
The tunics are acceptable wear as well.....probably a less formal choice but guess if you're not really close to the couple, you may not want to sari up.
Food....well so far we've dodged all bullets. Just a matter of time really. However, in the interim we're playing it a bit safe. ;)
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Ginny
31/1/2015 07:31:15 am
What a wonderful experience ! You looked gorgeous Merryn xxx
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Merryn
31/1/2015 08:41:26 am
Thanks Ginny! Xx
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Lyne smerdon
31/1/2015 01:36:10 pm
Love your pics and you looked stunning x
Reply
Merryn
31/1/2015 01:55:21 pm
Well helloooo Lyne! Glad you like the blogs. Having a great time experiencing all things Indian. I'm glad everyone is enjoying the blogs I'm putting up. Xxx