Wednesday, 01 July 2009

• :: A Bengali Wedding Extravaganza in Kolkata - Part II ::

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  click here for Part I
  
  :: BARAAT (PROCESSION) ::
  
  For Indians, the Baraat is a big production in and of itself. The groom's friends and family accompany him, dancing and singing energetically along the way. Since it was June, monsoon season was creeping up and a seriously heavy rain was pouring out of the sky that morning. Thankfully, it stopped as suddenly as it started just in time for a dry and cool baraat. An auspicious sign, don't you think?
  

  
  

  
  

  
  In an Indian procession, the groom makes a showy entrance either by horse, on an elephant, in a fancy car, etc. For his baraat, Shantanu arrived in style on a decked out horse-drawn carriage that looked like something from "Pimp My Carriage."
  
  
  
  
  In contrast to the groom's crazy and wild baraat, the bridesmaid processional was solemn and ceremonious. The dignified tone was appropriately representative of Sonali's personality. She is truly a lady, which you have to admit is a rarity among our peers these days.
  
  

  
  

  
  I love how Sonali was actually carried into the wedding hall on a fancy platform. Talk about being treated like a royal princess! All the while, Sonali kept her face covered with two betel leaves.
  
  
  
  
  :: MARRIAGE CEREMONY ::
  
  The bride finally removed the betel leaves from her face, and the two of them shared an "auspicious first glance". They then exchanged flower garlands as a gesture of their willingness to accept each other as life partners. This was the most boisterous portion of their ceremony, with hundreds of Indian relatives cheering at the top of their lungs!
  
  
  
  After the crowds settled down, the tone became much more somber. The priest led the couple and their families through many many various prayers, recitals, chants, and vows.
  
  In the photos below, the bride and groom make an offering to the sacred fire by walking around the fire seven times. I thought it was interesting that tradition incorporates the alternating of who leads and who follows.
  
  
  
  In another portion of the ceremony, the priest tied the corner of Sonali's sari with the corner of Shantanu's dhoti in a knot symbolizing their union. Later on, the groom tied the "mangalsutra" (auspicious cord) around the bride's neck with three knots representing the strength of their union on every plane - physical, mental, and spiritual.
  
  The knots were such a beautiful element of their ceremony. I think it's the perfect symbol to represent the sacred marital vows that bind them and that their two families are now woven into one.
  
  
  
  Although the ceremony was visually stunning and rich in meaning, we (the non-Indian guests) were warned that it was really long and, at times, boring. I didn't believe them, but it turns out they weren't exaggerating. Their Hindu ceremony was longer than any wedding ceremony I've ever attended, including full-length Catholic ceremonies. Thankfully, I was relieved of my bridesmaid duties early on in the ceremony so that I could sit in the audience. The considerate couple even had a buffet set up outside the room in case anyone got hungry. Ooohh, they know us so well.
  
  
  :: RECEPTION PARTY ::
  
  The 3-day wedding festivities came to a close with their reception party. It was here that they incorporated some more Western elements, like cutting their (beautiful!) wedding cake and exchanging rings. And kissing!
  
  
  
  Manish and I were asked to give a toast, but it was a surprisingly tough assignment! It was just so damn hard to make fun of the bride and groom. They are two of most accomplished and impressive people you will ever have the pleasure of meeting. They are so perfect individually and so perfect for each other that it makes you think "wow", "awwww", and "gag me" all at the same time.
  
  Lucky for Sonali and Shantanu, we happened to know them long enough and well enough to come up with some good material. From the audience's response, I know we did a great job toasting roasting the happy couple!
  
  
  
  The performance of the week definitely went to Sonali's sister for her spectacular classical Indian dance. She's been studying for many years and is actually advanced enough to become an instructor if she wanted to.
  
  Finally, the night ended with some good ol' boogying on the dance floor. It was impossible to outdance her sister's performance in terms of skill. But thanks to high spirits (in all senses of the word ), the guests certainly tried to outdo her energy! Haha. It was a bumping party!
  
  
  
  
  :: THE FOOD ::
  
  I am so sad that I didn't take any photos of the plethora of delicious Indian food. I was too busy either with bridesmaid duties or with pigging out. The best pic I could dig up was of one of the many buffets being set up (see hallway of copperware filled with yummy goodness).
  
  
  
  I assure you that the food was plentiful and fantastic. It was buffet after buffet after buffet of some of the best Indian food I've ever had! See the happy grin above? That's just from fresh mango ice cream. I swear I had a perma-grin on my face the entire time. Mmmmm...
  
  
  :: BRIDAL SARIS & LENGHAS ::
  
  It wouldn't be a proper recap without featuring the exquisite bridal saris and lenghas that graced Sonali. I was already oohing and aahing over her first outfit at the pooja. And they just continued to get more and more stunning and elaborate.
  
  
  
  She looked beautiful in all her outfits. But my two favorites are definitely the ombre-dyed one she wore at the sangeet and the impeccable embroidered number she donned for the marriage ceremony. Which one is your favorite?
  
  

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  Whew! This recap was epic. Hope you enjoyed it!  I always enjoy the eye candy and fun tidbits I learn from the various blogs I subscribe to. So it was a pleasure to share this and return the favor.
  
  

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