The Wedding Festivities

Here's a post written by Adelaide, describing today's activity:

I think it is unusual to go to a wedding when you have never met the bride or the groom. It is a little more unusual when you don't even know their names. Well, that's what I did today, but don't worry I was invited... One of my mom's friends from Tuscaloosa's cousin was the bride. I still don't know her name or the groom's. Considering the circumstances, I thought it might be a bit awkward. We were the only non-Indians in attendance, and only one person there had met us before. I was pleasantly suprised.

The bride's father welcomed us with open arms like we were old friends; he was so kind.We arrived at 11:00 and the wedding was supposed to start at 11:30 with the arrival of the groom's party. Predictably, however, it started 30-45 minutes late. Like the rules of the road, start times are just suggestions.

The groom's party congregated outside the giant tent and the bride's party blocked the entrance. There was some singing and chanting which I couldn't follow, as it was in Punjabi. They "argued" for a while and then the groom offered some money to the sisters of the bride, which they threw to the ground. Finally, the two parties "reconciled" and exchanged garlands of marigolds and checks. Then, one of the groom's brothers burst through the crowd spraying everyone with fake snow. Pranks seem to be an essential part of the wedding.Then, everyone went in the tent to eat breakfast which consisted of a vast array of fried things and some fruit.

After a while, the bride arrived and was led in under a canopy of roses held up by relatives. She and the groom were seated on two thrones on a platform. Pictures ensued.The bridal color here is red instead of white. Many of the relatives wore pink sarees or turbans. The bride shone with gold adornments. Everywhere you could put jewlery or gold embroidery, it was there. Nose ring. Ear rings. Necklace. Bangles up to the elbows. There were even little jewels above her eyebrows. She also had henna all over her legs and arms. The groom wore a suit and red turban with a full length sword. Sikh men carry daggers as part of the "5 Ks" of their religion (uncut hair, dagger, bracelet, special underwear, comb) , but this was a very ornate and large one.Then, it was time for the actual ceremony. We adjurned to nearby temple.

Only a small portion of the guests could come because it was so small. The father of the bride was kind enough to invite us; I was interested to see what would happen. Before we went in, we took off our shoes and put scarves over our hair. There was a basket outside of extra scarves, but I had one with me. My brother and my dad had these orange, napkin-like things to tie on their heads since they didn't have turbans. It gave them a pirate look. The ceremony seemed long to me because I couldn't understand the Punjabi prayers, speeches, songs, etc.

We sat for a very long time while the bride and groom slowly circled the silver altar; she holding onto his scarf. All of sudden, everyone stood up. I'm not sure what happened after that. I just remember my knees feeling funny (I thought my kneecap was out of socket), and then I felt dizzy and tried to grab my mom's arm. I fainted. When I came out of it, my first though was not to make a scene. I hated to think I had disturbed the wedding. Before I said anything, I put my scarf back over my head. I don't think anyone cared, but I just wanted to be respectful. They let me into their wedding even though many close relatives and friends couldn't come in. Luckily, I was near the back, so most people didn't notice and the ceremony went on. I guess I'll have to go to another one to find out what happens at the end!

After the ceremony, it was time for more food! Lunch! A full vegetarian buffet. Mmmmmm... Fainting sure didn't dampen my appetite. We didn't leave until nearly four o'clock, and most people were still there then. Tomorrow, there is a reception! Yes, the eating is not over yet. Indians sure know how to celebrate!