I apologize for my absence. In preparation for all of the wedding festivities and the massive amount of guests here at Dhaval's house, we were moved to a nearby hotel. The accomodations were okay but they lacked wi-fi... and hot water. I wouldn't choose to stay at a place like this but since our host put us up there I would be remiss to complain.
So let's hit the highlights of the last few days and the events... Bear in mind that there were a LOT of little rituals and events held within the context of the "wedding festivities" that I cannot possibly cover in their entirety. I HIGHLY encourage you to attend a true Indian wedding yourself and have a local explain it to you as you go along. I am only going to cover the basics or you will get bored very quickly.
WEDNESDAY - January 18
This officially began the wedding events. There would be a total of four events, beginning with the puja (or pooja) in the morning. This was a religious ceremony mixed with a backyard feast. The mandap (see the shutterfly site for pictures, it's a large tent-like structure with fabric sections strung over it to provide an area for guests to accumulate) was set up in the days prior and guests filled in underneath. There were a bunch of tables and LOTS of plastic chairs all over the area. Tables were set up around the perimeter and food was served to all in attendance. Inside of the grounds at the house, the ritual was performed. I didn't get to see much of this as I didn't realize that anything was going on. Dhaval pulled me aside afterwards and told me to make sure that I stick close by during the coming days so that I could experience as much of the wedding rituals as possible. All in all, it looked like they fed around 300 people, possibly more. After eating and completion of the religious ceremony, the party broke up and we returned to our hotel.
After a rest and a shower, we changed into our shervanis and were ready for the night of entertainment - the sangeet. This is the big music and dance night. Again, this was a large catered event with a wide variety of foods. This was attended by even more people than in the morning. I'd venture that there were 500+ here. This was also the big night for all of the dance performances, including mine. Typically this event would be performed by professional entertainers but this one was full of performances by friends and family. Ruchika, all of her sisters/cousins, lots of family members, and several friends on both sides were involved. This gave the whole event a great personal touch. There was also an amazing fireworks display during Dhaval and Ruchika's big performance!
Dhaval surprised me enough by including me in the introduction dance for his performance. On top of that, he told me just one day prior that I would be playing the role of the Hindu Pundit (or Priest?) for the dance routine. This entailed me walking out on stage (IN FRONT OF ALL THOSE PEOPLE!) and sprinkling Ruchika with rose petals after her dance then ringing an imaginary bell. Apparently there were a lot of people surprised that the white guy was chosen for this role (I was surprised as well!). After that, we did our short intro for Dhaval's dance. It was over in a flash. I was so nervous but I think we all did pretty well. Dhaval, on the other hand, KILLED his routine! I've been watching him practice and this was definitely his best round and it came at just the right time. This was an amazing experience to see and participate. I can't tell you how many people went out of their way to tell me how good of a job that I did and I didn't really even do anything. It was so much fun and I can't thank Dhaval enough for allowing me to be a participant in one of the most meaningful events of his life.
I've always known Dhaval was a very smart and talented kid. After seeing this, I'm left wondering if there isn't anything that he CAN'T do?! His work ethic is second to none, he's one of the smartest and most humble people I've ever met, and the dude can sing and dance like a pro! He is truly an extraordinary man and I'm proud to call him a friend and blessed to have him as a part of my life. I really do see him as a brother and I always will. Okay okay... enough of the sob story, there will be more later. The sangeet wrapped up and we returned to the hotel for a night of rest.
THURSDAY - January 19
The next day, we awoke to prepare for the wedding ceremony. We arrived at Dhaval's at around 10AM and saw a professional band (think medium sized marching band) outside of his house. All of you from New Orleans (or those that have visited during Mardi Gras or a jazz funeral to see this) would feel right at home during this event. It was basically a big second line! The significance of this event was huge. Dhaval emerged from his house dressed to the nines! Dude looked like a damn prince! He got into a car that was decorated with flowers and was driven behind the procession. It was explained to me that the very first song played was that of the coming of the Maharaja. This is the music played to extoll that the king (essentially, not exactly) is coming through. We proceeded to walk behind the band, stopping often to have a display of firecrackers and dance. These people really like to dance. They repeatedly invited me to join the front of the parade with the dancing group. Being in a festive mood (and knowing that I would never see many of these people again) I happily obliged. This was a whole lot of fun. The story behind this event is that it is supposed to be a procession from the groom's house to the bride's house where the ceremony would be performed. In older times this was the case. In modern times, it was too far to parade so we went a few blocks (over the course of an hour) then jumped in cars and moved closer to the hotel where the ceremony was to be held.
When we got to the hotel, we all staged a couple of blocks away. Here, Dhaval was loaded up onto a horse (yeah, you read that right!) that was fully decorated. He was escorted in a similar fashion to the parade where the band and dancers led in front of him. Also, there was someone walking beside him holding a highly decorated umbrella to shield him from the sun. While parading to the hotel, some of the other guests decided to have some fun. I was draped with some kind of cloth/scarf thing Dhaval2 (yep, we met another one and he was a pretty awesome guy. I'm not just saying that because he's going to read this blog either!). Interesting story behind this and it will be a momento that I keep forever. Next, one of the other partiers decided to take a parade hat from a band member and put it on me. They were apparently getting a kick out of the white guy dancing and cutting up with them. At some point, Dhaval2 and Bhavin (Ruchika's cousin, damn good guy as well and quite the dancer) came up with an idea to pick me up on their shoulders. I'm not sure if they failed math class, though, as I weight about as much as both of them combined. Fortunately, Vedant was standing right behind and helped to make sure I didn't get dropped on my head. All I really remember is Dhaval's (don't get confused with my notation here, this is the original Dhaval) face when he was me lifted up above the crowd. Yet again, it was a moment that I'll never forget.
After the parading, we arrived at the hotel. Dhaval made his grand entrance on the horse. Apparently, as he dismounted, a "ritual" where someone steals his shoe was done. It was quite funny to see grown men fighting over a shoe and, as it turned out, several of them were on the same team and didn't realize it. Dhaval2 actually ended up with the shoes! Inside the hotel, several rituals were performed before Dhaval could enter the hall (this would normally be the bride's home but modern circumstances and such call for alterations to old traditions). At one point he ended up getting hit in the eye during one ritual (a member of the bridal party was trying to grab his nose)! Everything went along and the wedding was kicked off. Dhaval2 did a great job of explaining as many of the rituals as he could while the proceedings moved along. This was a beautiful ceremony and I was informed that this one in particular was more "over the top" than a typical Indian wedding. The food was outstanding as well! I would say that, again, there were 500+ people here. One peculiar thing, though, was that most of the guests were milling around and eating while the ceremony was taking place. Apparently this is typical but it was quite different than what I am used to seeing. The morning ceremony, the official wedding ceremony, wrapped up. At the end, the shoes that Dhaval2 stole were returned but not before yet another ritual was performed. Since the bride's sisters would be losing a member of their family (old times the bride would leave her home and move to the groom's house) they would require payment in return. The shoes were the bargaining chip. The final price wasn't much, 500 Rs per sister, but it was an amusing exchange and even though there were all speaking a language foreign to me I could feel the excitement and energy in the spirited event. In the end, Dhaval's mom swooped in and paid all involved, including Dhaval2 who did everything that he could to not accept or pass off the money.
We returned to the hotel, took a nap, and prepared for the evening. The evening event was a reception and this was probably the most attended event. It was held on a parage grounds outside of the hotel. The layout was incredible, the food was beyond delicious (they had a Mexican and an Italian station, I can't tell you how happy I was to not have to eat Indian food again!), and the proceedings were more lavish than I could have expected. Dhaval and Ruchika were brough up from a hidden platform in a cloud of fog. As they walked down this stage entrance, there were fireworks, sparklers, and lots of confetti cannons blasting off. When they got to the end of the stage, a platform was waiting which lifted them high into the air. During this they were showered with rose petals! After a few moments they were lowered and got into a cage-looking thing for a procession through the grounds and up to the main stage where they would receive the guests. I can only imagine their feelings through this whole series of events but it was amazing to watch. I've probably been ruined on weddings now as this was so beyond amazing that I'm not sure any wedding that I see going forward will ever compare. We ate our fill and talked to many of the friends that we made throughout the weeks here. I can't possibly mention all of you but please know that each and every one of you will be remembered as this was an experience that I can't possibly forget. The kindness, generosity, and caring nature of all of you is something that I will take with me forever. After eating, we made our way through the receiving line to offer our congrats to the couple and their family. Amazingly, through all of this, they were more concerned with how we were doing and enjoying the event than anything else. It was a beautiful experience and I actually teared up talking with them. I can't say enough kind things about Dhaval's parents and the amazing class of people that they are. After spending time here, I am far less surprised by Dhaval as I now know exactly how he has become who he is.
FRIDAY - January 20
I was awoken at the hotel by my Indian cell ringing. Ranjit was calling to let us know that he'd be there at 8 to take us back to Dhaval's house. It was 7:30 and I couldn't be more excited to get up and pack my bags. Along the way we stopped for breakfast at a roadside shop. I ate a little but I'm growing tired of the constantly spicy food and breakfast was no exception. Regardless, it was a tasty dish. We arrived at Dhaval's place and immediately fired up the computers to get access to the outside world. After about an hour of writing, I think I've finally caught up and can give it a rest. The plan from here is that tomorrow we are to leave in the morning to pick up Vedant (he went back to his village outside of the city with his family) and begin the trip to the airport in Mumbai (aka Bombay). We depart the airport some time around 3AM IST (3:30PM Central Saturday afternoon) Sunday morning. We fly from Mumbai to Brussels, have a 3 hour layover, fly from Brussels to Chicago, have a 1.5 hour layover, then fly to New Orleans and arrive (hopefully) around 5:15PM Central!
So let's hit the highlights of the last few days and the events... Bear in mind that there were a LOT of little rituals and events held within the context of the "wedding festivities" that I cannot possibly cover in their entirety. I HIGHLY encourage you to attend a true Indian wedding yourself and have a local explain it to you as you go along. I am only going to cover the basics or you will get bored very quickly.
WEDNESDAY - January 18
This officially began the wedding events. There would be a total of four events, beginning with the puja (or pooja) in the morning. This was a religious ceremony mixed with a backyard feast. The mandap (see the shutterfly site for pictures, it's a large tent-like structure with fabric sections strung over it to provide an area for guests to accumulate) was set up in the days prior and guests filled in underneath. There were a bunch of tables and LOTS of plastic chairs all over the area. Tables were set up around the perimeter and food was served to all in attendance. Inside of the grounds at the house, the ritual was performed. I didn't get to see much of this as I didn't realize that anything was going on. Dhaval pulled me aside afterwards and told me to make sure that I stick close by during the coming days so that I could experience as much of the wedding rituals as possible. All in all, it looked like they fed around 300 people, possibly more. After eating and completion of the religious ceremony, the party broke up and we returned to our hotel.
After a rest and a shower, we changed into our shervanis and were ready for the night of entertainment - the sangeet. This is the big music and dance night. Again, this was a large catered event with a wide variety of foods. This was attended by even more people than in the morning. I'd venture that there were 500+ here. This was also the big night for all of the dance performances, including mine. Typically this event would be performed by professional entertainers but this one was full of performances by friends and family. Ruchika, all of her sisters/cousins, lots of family members, and several friends on both sides were involved. This gave the whole event a great personal touch. There was also an amazing fireworks display during Dhaval and Ruchika's big performance!
Dhaval surprised me enough by including me in the introduction dance for his performance. On top of that, he told me just one day prior that I would be playing the role of the Hindu Pundit (or Priest?) for the dance routine. This entailed me walking out on stage (IN FRONT OF ALL THOSE PEOPLE!) and sprinkling Ruchika with rose petals after her dance then ringing an imaginary bell. Apparently there were a lot of people surprised that the white guy was chosen for this role (I was surprised as well!). After that, we did our short intro for Dhaval's dance. It was over in a flash. I was so nervous but I think we all did pretty well. Dhaval, on the other hand, KILLED his routine! I've been watching him practice and this was definitely his best round and it came at just the right time. This was an amazing experience to see and participate. I can't tell you how many people went out of their way to tell me how good of a job that I did and I didn't really even do anything. It was so much fun and I can't thank Dhaval enough for allowing me to be a participant in one of the most meaningful events of his life.
I've always known Dhaval was a very smart and talented kid. After seeing this, I'm left wondering if there isn't anything that he CAN'T do?! His work ethic is second to none, he's one of the smartest and most humble people I've ever met, and the dude can sing and dance like a pro! He is truly an extraordinary man and I'm proud to call him a friend and blessed to have him as a part of my life. I really do see him as a brother and I always will. Okay okay... enough of the sob story, there will be more later. The sangeet wrapped up and we returned to the hotel for a night of rest.
THURSDAY - January 19
The next day, we awoke to prepare for the wedding ceremony. We arrived at Dhaval's at around 10AM and saw a professional band (think medium sized marching band) outside of his house. All of you from New Orleans (or those that have visited during Mardi Gras or a jazz funeral to see this) would feel right at home during this event. It was basically a big second line! The significance of this event was huge. Dhaval emerged from his house dressed to the nines! Dude looked like a damn prince! He got into a car that was decorated with flowers and was driven behind the procession. It was explained to me that the very first song played was that of the coming of the Maharaja. This is the music played to extoll that the king (essentially, not exactly) is coming through. We proceeded to walk behind the band, stopping often to have a display of firecrackers and dance. These people really like to dance. They repeatedly invited me to join the front of the parade with the dancing group. Being in a festive mood (and knowing that I would never see many of these people again) I happily obliged. This was a whole lot of fun. The story behind this event is that it is supposed to be a procession from the groom's house to the bride's house where the ceremony would be performed. In older times this was the case. In modern times, it was too far to parade so we went a few blocks (over the course of an hour) then jumped in cars and moved closer to the hotel where the ceremony was to be held.
When we got to the hotel, we all staged a couple of blocks away. Here, Dhaval was loaded up onto a horse (yeah, you read that right!) that was fully decorated. He was escorted in a similar fashion to the parade where the band and dancers led in front of him. Also, there was someone walking beside him holding a highly decorated umbrella to shield him from the sun. While parading to the hotel, some of the other guests decided to have some fun. I was draped with some kind of cloth/scarf thing Dhaval2 (yep, we met another one and he was a pretty awesome guy. I'm not just saying that because he's going to read this blog either!). Interesting story behind this and it will be a momento that I keep forever. Next, one of the other partiers decided to take a parade hat from a band member and put it on me. They were apparently getting a kick out of the white guy dancing and cutting up with them. At some point, Dhaval2 and Bhavin (Ruchika's cousin, damn good guy as well and quite the dancer) came up with an idea to pick me up on their shoulders. I'm not sure if they failed math class, though, as I weight about as much as both of them combined. Fortunately, Vedant was standing right behind and helped to make sure I didn't get dropped on my head. All I really remember is Dhaval's (don't get confused with my notation here, this is the original Dhaval) face when he was me lifted up above the crowd. Yet again, it was a moment that I'll never forget.
After the parading, we arrived at the hotel. Dhaval made his grand entrance on the horse. Apparently, as he dismounted, a "ritual" where someone steals his shoe was done. It was quite funny to see grown men fighting over a shoe and, as it turned out, several of them were on the same team and didn't realize it. Dhaval2 actually ended up with the shoes! Inside the hotel, several rituals were performed before Dhaval could enter the hall (this would normally be the bride's home but modern circumstances and such call for alterations to old traditions). At one point he ended up getting hit in the eye during one ritual (a member of the bridal party was trying to grab his nose)! Everything went along and the wedding was kicked off. Dhaval2 did a great job of explaining as many of the rituals as he could while the proceedings moved along. This was a beautiful ceremony and I was informed that this one in particular was more "over the top" than a typical Indian wedding. The food was outstanding as well! I would say that, again, there were 500+ people here. One peculiar thing, though, was that most of the guests were milling around and eating while the ceremony was taking place. Apparently this is typical but it was quite different than what I am used to seeing. The morning ceremony, the official wedding ceremony, wrapped up. At the end, the shoes that Dhaval2 stole were returned but not before yet another ritual was performed. Since the bride's sisters would be losing a member of their family (old times the bride would leave her home and move to the groom's house) they would require payment in return. The shoes were the bargaining chip. The final price wasn't much, 500 Rs per sister, but it was an amusing exchange and even though there were all speaking a language foreign to me I could feel the excitement and energy in the spirited event. In the end, Dhaval's mom swooped in and paid all involved, including Dhaval2 who did everything that he could to not accept or pass off the money.
We returned to the hotel, took a nap, and prepared for the evening. The evening event was a reception and this was probably the most attended event. It was held on a parage grounds outside of the hotel. The layout was incredible, the food was beyond delicious (they had a Mexican and an Italian station, I can't tell you how happy I was to not have to eat Indian food again!), and the proceedings were more lavish than I could have expected. Dhaval and Ruchika were brough up from a hidden platform in a cloud of fog. As they walked down this stage entrance, there were fireworks, sparklers, and lots of confetti cannons blasting off. When they got to the end of the stage, a platform was waiting which lifted them high into the air. During this they were showered with rose petals! After a few moments they were lowered and got into a cage-looking thing for a procession through the grounds and up to the main stage where they would receive the guests. I can only imagine their feelings through this whole series of events but it was amazing to watch. I've probably been ruined on weddings now as this was so beyond amazing that I'm not sure any wedding that I see going forward will ever compare. We ate our fill and talked to many of the friends that we made throughout the weeks here. I can't possibly mention all of you but please know that each and every one of you will be remembered as this was an experience that I can't possibly forget. The kindness, generosity, and caring nature of all of you is something that I will take with me forever. After eating, we made our way through the receiving line to offer our congrats to the couple and their family. Amazingly, through all of this, they were more concerned with how we were doing and enjoying the event than anything else. It was a beautiful experience and I actually teared up talking with them. I can't say enough kind things about Dhaval's parents and the amazing class of people that they are. After spending time here, I am far less surprised by Dhaval as I now know exactly how he has become who he is.
FRIDAY - January 20
I was awoken at the hotel by my Indian cell ringing. Ranjit was calling to let us know that he'd be there at 8 to take us back to Dhaval's house. It was 7:30 and I couldn't be more excited to get up and pack my bags. Along the way we stopped for breakfast at a roadside shop. I ate a little but I'm growing tired of the constantly spicy food and breakfast was no exception. Regardless, it was a tasty dish. We arrived at Dhaval's place and immediately fired up the computers to get access to the outside world. After about an hour of writing, I think I've finally caught up and can give it a rest. The plan from here is that tomorrow we are to leave in the morning to pick up Vedant (he went back to his village outside of the city with his family) and begin the trip to the airport in Mumbai (aka Bombay). We depart the airport some time around 3AM IST (3:30PM Central Saturday afternoon) Sunday morning. We fly from Mumbai to Brussels, have a 3 hour layover, fly from Brussels to Chicago, have a 1.5 hour layover, then fly to New Orleans and arrive (hopefully) around 5:15PM Central!
No comments:
Post a Comment