Indian Wedding Story - Christmas 2006From the moment we hit Mumbai, at 6am on Christmas day, we were off buying wedding outfits and jewelry. That evening we attended the Sangeet, a big dance and music fete. If anyone knows Paras, then you know the Maniars are not shy to dance. We also got to meet the lovely Payal, who it turns out also loves to dance! She studied classical dancing and performed a special routine for Paras, and we sat back in satisfaction and said "Okay, we like her." Toward the end of the evening Mike and I snuck out to go walking in Mumbai streets, and were compliments on our wardrobe, our gifts from the groom (No, Paras, we were supposed to give YOU gifts, not the other way around!)
The next day was all about family and henna. The morning began early with the Mandvhu to honor family and relatives who have passed on. The entire family turned out for this, but here is where the Maniars surpassed M&M: we were passed out cold from the trip, dancing, shopping and overall excitement. But we made it out in time for the food! We spent the afternoon chowing and getting henna on the hands and arms. That evening Payal's family hosted a cocktail party, which Mike heartily attended. I decided to catch the flu at that point, which in retrospect was a bad decision because I heard from Mike there were chocolate covered strawberries and a champagne fountain.
The third day, Wedding Day! I spent the afternoon recuperating and figuring out how to wear the sari. Finally a hotel receptionist had to come to help me, but as soon as I entered the wedding site there was a crowd around me fixing it again. By this time Mike had also caught the flu but wasn't about to miss this, so a quick run to the pharmacy saved the day. The wedding event took place just outside the cricket stadium, with lights in the trees, a stage, a live traditional music band, and more food then you ever hoped to see in your life. Also, more chocolate covered strawberries and champagne, with fresh fruit juices.
Paras & Payal's wedding ceremony was beautiful, and surprisingly interactive. During one song, the audience were given flower petals to toss onto the couple. With all the flashbulbs going off at each moment you'd think they were Aishwarya Rai & Abhishek Bachchan. After the ceremony, the couple then had to receive all 900 guests in a receiving line, and take photos to boot! And, get this, Paras was fasting!!!! Meanwhile, the rest of us were stuffing our faces and relaxing in our Indian finery. P&P still managed to look better than the rest of us.
The next day we toured Mumbai a bit with other wedding guests, including Alex who took most of these photos. We ran home in time to make it to the Harakh Jaman, a dinner thrown for the groom's family to welcome the bride and her family. This "low key" affair still had an amazing food spread and left us rolling home in the evening. I attempted the sari on my own this time and alllllmost pulled it off. But I still had to be fixed when I arrived at the dinner.
On our final day we decided to tour the city and buy some artwork Mike had been eyeing. We got it at the last minute, causing a major fuss and having to exchange taxis, as per our usual style. But had no problems at the Mumbai airport.
All in all, this was a trip you get the chance to take only once, and you always wish you could relive the whole thing. I am now the proud owner of 3 saris, and Mike of 2 pajamas with scarves, not to mention some great sandals. We confirmed that Indian food might be the best cuisine around, particularly South Indian food. We met wonderful people, fell in love with the Maniar clan, and amazingly, spent a lot of time with Paras despite his hectic schedule, (which is the real reason we went to India).
Thank you again to Paras & Payal for the wonderful experience (and the presents!), and the Maniar family for their generous hospitality.
And thanks also to Alex, our intrepid photographer, who probably got the best photos of all
The next day was all about family and henna. The morning began early with the Mandvhu to honor family and relatives who have passed on. The entire family turned out for this, but here is where the Maniars surpassed M&M: we were passed out cold from the trip, dancing, shopping and overall excitement. But we made it out in time for the food! We spent the afternoon chowing and getting henna on the hands and arms. That evening Payal's family hosted a cocktail party, which Mike heartily attended. I decided to catch the flu at that point, which in retrospect was a bad decision because I heard from Mike there were chocolate covered strawberries and a champagne fountain.
The third day, Wedding Day! I spent the afternoon recuperating and figuring out how to wear the sari. Finally a hotel receptionist had to come to help me, but as soon as I entered the wedding site there was a crowd around me fixing it again. By this time Mike had also caught the flu but wasn't about to miss this, so a quick run to the pharmacy saved the day. The wedding event took place just outside the cricket stadium, with lights in the trees, a stage, a live traditional music band, and more food then you ever hoped to see in your life. Also, more chocolate covered strawberries and champagne, with fresh fruit juices.
Paras & Payal's wedding ceremony was beautiful, and surprisingly interactive. During one song, the audience were given flower petals to toss onto the couple. With all the flashbulbs going off at each moment you'd think they were Aishwarya Rai & Abhishek Bachchan. After the ceremony, the couple then had to receive all 900 guests in a receiving line, and take photos to boot! And, get this, Paras was fasting!!!! Meanwhile, the rest of us were stuffing our faces and relaxing in our Indian finery. P&P still managed to look better than the rest of us.
The next day we toured Mumbai a bit with other wedding guests, including Alex who took most of these photos. We ran home in time to make it to the Harakh Jaman, a dinner thrown for the groom's family to welcome the bride and her family. This "low key" affair still had an amazing food spread and left us rolling home in the evening. I attempted the sari on my own this time and alllllmost pulled it off. But I still had to be fixed when I arrived at the dinner.
On our final day we decided to tour the city and buy some artwork Mike had been eyeing. We got it at the last minute, causing a major fuss and having to exchange taxis, as per our usual style. But had no problems at the Mumbai airport.
All in all, this was a trip you get the chance to take only once, and you always wish you could relive the whole thing. I am now the proud owner of 3 saris, and Mike of 2 pajamas with scarves, not to mention some great sandals. We confirmed that Indian food might be the best cuisine around, particularly South Indian food. We met wonderful people, fell in love with the Maniar clan, and amazingly, spent a lot of time with Paras despite his hectic schedule, (which is the real reason we went to India).
Thank you again to Paras & Payal for the wonderful experience (and the presents!), and the Maniar family for their generous hospitality.
And thanks also to Alex, our intrepid photographer, who probably got the best photos of all
Check out the photos from the P&P Wedding Extravaganza on the Photo Albums links on the blog main page or click here: http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=7n5r90zt.53es3st5&Uy=-tfaxio&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0
No comments:
Post a Comment