An Indian Wedding

Just back from Delhi where I attended my first Indian wedding in India. This was my third trip to Delhi and with each visit, India as a whole continues to grow on me. In many ways it seems light years ahead of Hyderabad, but the congestion and volume of traffic is absolutely insane. Delhi does have a metro system, which went something like this...stepped onto the already crowded train and quickly walked toward the tiny bit of free space remaining only seconds later to be sandwiched between several others who were clearly not bothered by my western standards regarding personal space. Thankfully it was a short ride!
They are expanding the metro system in preparation for the 2010 Commonwealth games so construction in Delhi is everywhere and ongoing thus contributing to the traffic congestion. Here we're stuck in traffic on a Saturday afternoon.

Despite the congestion, we spent four lovely days with the family, which fundamentally equates to eating, more eating, and even when you have no room left...eating a little bit more.
Although we did manage to fit in some sightseeing/shopping. Here we are at India Gate, a war memorial, (partially pictured in the background) with Geeta, the kids, and her parents.

We also spent an evening out at a very swanky lounge bar in Delhi. Although some of the riff raff did manage to sneak in.

Anne and the riff raff


Geeta, myself, Kavita, and Raji

Minnie and Amit

Kavita and Rosie

Shami and Sanjeev

Geeta, myself, and Sudhir

The wedding ceremony took place the following day just outside of the bride's house. Here we all are with the bride's father.

Soon after our arrival, we heard drums which signaled the groom was near. Known as a Barat, the groom (who is surrounded by friends and family) proceeds to the brides house while all are singing and dancing. The bride's family then receives and welcomes the groom's family.
Here is the procession just outside the bride's home.


There was a big colorful tent set up just outside the bride's home. Here's the bride and groom after having exchanged garlands.

There was a break for pictures and then the actual ceremony followed on another stage, but that was at the same time that lunch was being served. Being so excited to eat some real Indian food, my attention was redirected to filling my stomach. Northern Indian food is simply the best!

The reception took place the following night. We ladies went to the "salon" to get our hair done, which was an experience in itself. Geeta had gone early to pay a deposit which theoretically was supposed to give us a two hour block with the stylist so that all of us could get our hair done. However, this was India as well as wedding season so our block of time was shared and fully utilized by everybody else first and then us. The stylist (perhaps owner) said, "No problem" to everyone who walked through the door while we sat still waiting for him to do our hair. Good thing the reception didn't start until much later. But in the end we all looked fabulous!

The ladies...

The men...


A few more photos at the reception...







We took a brief detour from the reception and stumbled upon The All American Diner, which was also on the same grounds as the reception. We went inside to check it out.


First timers in saris sitting at the diner. We were told that we wore it quite well, although we did find it a bit restrictive.

After a couple of drinks at the diner, we returned to the reception for dinner, which was delicious and soon thereafter said our goodbyes. Then we headed to a bar for a little Bollywood dancing, which I have not yet mastered.


The following day we returned to Hyderabad. We all had a wonderful time in Delhi and will look forward to our next visit!

We had one more celebration left as it was Subhash and Kuki's 41st anniversary as well as their last night in Hyderabad.



A very happy anniversary to you both!