My First Hindu Wedding - part 1

Sunday was another day of firsts- attending a Hindu wedding. A colleague had invited us to her niece’s wedding. The following evening a dinner, celebration, and entertainment had occurred, but it was suggested that if I attend anything, the actual wedding ceremony might be most interesting. Although we arrived just prior to the requested time on the invitation, we found out that certain rituals had already taken place, including a dramatized giving away ceremony.

These are my observations - it is entirely possible that I have misinterpreted or missed something. My apologies in advance.

On stage were a priest and the groom. Both wore an untucked dhoti (a traditional men’s dress made from about 5 years of cloth, wrapped about the waist and legs and knotted at the waist). Around the neck of the groom was a large white floral garland with red and green floral stripes, draping down over his fit bare chest. Sitting cross-legged, the groom and priest exchanged words as they stoked the fire with special leaves. Floral streamers in the colors of India’s flag decorated the tops and sides of the stage’s frame. On the back wall of the stage was a mural of two gods. Scattered on the stage were bananas, coconuts, vessels, and other ceremonial items. On the floor to one side of the stage was a kolam design drawn in rice flour. On the opposite side musicians played Nagaswaram horns, whose double reeds produced a loud oboe-like sound.

Seated in folding chairs, the guests chatted merrily, with some observing the ceremony unfolding on stage and others engaged in their own conversations. Women were wearing their finest silk saris embroidered with gold thread. Jasmine was tied around the hair of many women, both young and old. Cell phones were out, some talking and others using it to snap photos. Overall, it was a very casual atmosphere.

Shortly thereafter, the bride arrived, dressed in a red silk sari and several garlands of flowers matching those of her groom. Her tightly tied-back hair was embellished with gold jewelry along the hairline, part, and the sides. More jewelry extended to the ears. On the back of her head was a huge bunch of jasmine flowers. A large number of bangles covered each wrist. Henna designs extended from both sides of the hand mid-way up the forearm. She sat down next to the groom, chatting occasionally as they added more items to the fire. Throughout the ceremony the bride remained somber. Relatives looked on, both behind the couple and next to the stage. Intermittently the priest chanted.

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