Attending My First Indian Wedding

by Sharell on February 28, 2008

in Family & Friends, Getting Married

I went to my first ever Indian wedding recently. My sweetheart’s youngest brother got married. It was an arranged marriage, but a modern version of one. They got to see each other and spend time with each other before the wedding. They even went away on a holiday together.

The wedding was a simple one day affair, with around 800 people in attendance. I was surprised that most of the guests skipped the ceremony and only came to the reception. I can understand why though. The ceremony went for around six hours!

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There were prayers and other rituals.

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He anointed her forehead with sindoor (red powder that married women wear).

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They put garlands on each other.

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They walked around the sacred fire seven times — representing being together for seven lifetimes — and then they were officially married!

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I wore two saris, as is tradition for family members. One sari for the wedding, and one for the reception.

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The bride and groom sat on matching thrones throughout reception, while guests came and greeted them. The guests then went out to the buffet to eat. I was wondering where all the 800 people were — eating of course!

I was absolutely exhausted by the end of the night. Unfortunately, I’d already been fighting off a virus, and it was only the cold & flu medicine that kept me going. There was a constant stream of attention on me, and I lost my voice from having to talk to so many people.

After the wedding ended, the family went home to throw flower petals around the bridal room. The bride will be living with her husband and in-laws, as is tradition in India.

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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Gori Girl gorigirl.com May 13, 2009 at 8:32 am

Oh, wow – their thrones look almost identical to the ones we had at our wedding in Calcutta. Love what I can see of your sari’s colors.

Suhani November 25, 2009 at 2:21 pm

Hey Sharell!
U r lukin really beautiful in dat saree!N ur in-laws make a sweet couple!

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