After a bit, a processional band entered through the entrance gate, announcing the arrival of the bride and groom. Sweety and her new husband (an agreed-upon arranged marriage) then walked through the carpeted middle aisle, beaming with characteristic wide smiles. Sweety was wearing a beautiful silk sari from Kanchipuram (city in Tamil Nadu), gold jewelry, a tiara, and carried a large bouquet of cascading orchids. Her husband Ezhil wore a suit. Both wore large garlands of flowers around their necks - the same type used in Hindu weddings. Ascending the stairs, the couple sat on the throne in the middle of the stage. Special fans on each side provided a bit of cooling.
Prayers and kind words about the bride or the groom were offered - sometimes in Tamil, and other parts in English. Colored confetti was released in the air as the couple cut the cake, assisted by a special guest of honor. Guests then began lining up to go on stage to meet and congratulate the new couple. The members on stage then had their photograph taken with the bride and groom.
We then went to eat. Seeing that the long narrow tables were presently occupied by people who had just begun eating, we decided to to to the self-serve area. Briyani (a delicately spiced rice dish - this one had meat) and a few other items were placed on the banana leaf on our plate. In typical Indian fashion, food was eaten with the fingers. A dog sat near us, begging for any scraps. A small container of ice cream served as dessert. After a long day at school, it was time to leave. Thankfully, traffic was a bit lighter, making the ride home shorter.
Congratulations, Sweety and Ezhil!
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