Adventures in Africa: An amazing Indian wedding

It was the longest ceremony that I had attended - from 7:30 in the evening to 5:30 the following morning. The groom arrived at the venue accompanied by a throng of his friends and relatives in a long procession that created a traffic jam. At the entrance, the groom appeared to be negotiating with the bride’s family to be allowed entry. When the cordon was cut, everyone in the crowd gave a loud sigh of relief and a resounding applause.

Here comes the groom. He surely can see his way.

The bride awaits for the moment in her suite.

Bride's entrance in a canopy of red, red roses.

The main ceremony was in Hindu tradition then it was followed by Sikh rites. Towards dawn, the chanting and praying continued and it seemed permissible for the guests who decided to stay on to take turns in dozing off.

The Hindus' seven rounds of fire.

The Sikh Holy Man enters with the Book of Prayers behind him.

The finale of the ceremony was when the groom had to retrieve his pair of shoes which was removed earlier before sitting on the praying pad. It was a treasure that the bride's family had to temporarily safe keep. Getting back the shoes was no easy feat. He had to redeem them by bidding. Bid higher and higher until the price was acceptable. When the rupees passed hands, the shoes were brought and the crowd rejoiced.

Groom with his parents

The wedding was very colourful and the jewelry and apparel of the bride and groom and their families and guests were stunning. The rites seemed to be meticulously done by the book; no short cuts, no rush. The bride and groom were oblivious of the long hours that they had to remain seated in lotus position, and the weight of their garments and trimmings, the headdress and bracelets and all.

The bride's partial weight in gems.

No bouquets are thrown but a dangle of wishes for a next bride.

But what impressed me most was how the bride's family showed how much they cherished her. There was solidarity in making sure that the wedding was memorable for the couple, their family and friends. It seems part of the family honor to leave this impression. It must have been the same in the groom's side.

Bride's Mom, Sis, and Dad

Groom's lady family members

Some Indians still practice arranged marriages. But this one is different. One day, not too long ago, a handsome young man arrived at the home of a beautiful young lady. In front of her parents, he asked permission if he could marry her.