(You’ll find links to all parts of this Maharashtra tour series at the end of this post.)
Today was the wedding day of my wife's cousin's son. A day of joy and family reunion.
Old connections were renewed, and new ones were made. It was heartwarming to see relatives I hadn’t met in years and to share family updates and general banter.
My wife had a special moment today. She discovered that a relative of the groom’s father is from Bhopal, the city where she grew up and studied. As they talked, they realised they had many common acquaintances from Bhopal.
It’s amazing how weddings can bring together people from different places and backgrounds, making the world feel a little smaller and friendlier.
Wedding rituals
Kerala Nair weddings are known for their simplicity and warmth. The ceremonies are brief, focusing on family and togetherness rather than elaborate rituals.
I won't go into all the details. It's all there on websites and YouTube.
In a nutshell, the main rituals include the arrival of the groom and the bride, both getting the blessings of their parents, tying of the 'thali' (a sacred necklace) by the groom around the bride's neck, exchange of rings and garlands, presentation of a sari to the bride by the groom, and both walking around a lighted lamp seven times.
That's about it. In about half an hour, it was all over. The ceremony ended with a 'sadya' or a feast.
War-like scenario
While the wedding was full of happiness, soon after, the mood shifted as news started coming in about rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
Lots of developments have taken place throughout the day.
Pakistan attempted to hit military installations in 15 cities in border states. All the attempts were thwarted by India's defence systems.
India retaliated with drone attacks on Pakistan military assets in Lahore and Rawalpindi, which is the seat of their military establishment. Their defence systems were destroyed.
In the night around 9, we got to know that Pakistan missiles, which were targeting Indian air bases, were intercepted and destroyed over the border states.
It's no longer occasional skirmishes or shelling over the border. It is very much a war-like scenario with blackouts and sirens going off in the border states.
The US is speaking to both nations, asking them to de-escalate. India has clearly stated that every attempt to escalate will trigger a retaliation.
(To be continued)
Maharashtra tour 2025 series
Day 1 - May 6 - Chugging along to Pune
Day 2 - May 7 - Pune - News, nuisance, and festivities
Day 3 - May 8 - Pune - A day of mixed emotions
Day 4 - May 9 - Pune - History, temple, and reminiscences
Day 5 - May 10 - Pune - Whirlwind tour and news flash
Day 6 - May 11 - Sambhaji Nagar - A special breakfast and a tryst with nature
Day 7 - May 12 - Sambhaji Nagar - Ellora Caves
Day 7 - May 12 - Sambhaji Nagar - Paithani saris, Bibi Ka Maqbara
I'm sorry for these international travails. And what a shame it dampened the joyous occasion. Blessings to you and yours, my dear.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. At least the wedding was a good time. If only world events didn't interfere.
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteCatching up on your news and how life manages to celebrate even as clouds gather... I truly despair at the thunder and clap on the border... YAM xx
Glad you are all enjoying l. Attending marriage is always a happy occasion. Chance to meet relatives.
ReplyDeleteI am glad the wedding went well but feel sad about the war tensions between India and Pakistan that really isn't good
ReplyDeleteSuch a helpful and well-written blog! I really enjoyed reading it. If you love wildlife and nature, do check out my blog too Best Resort in Tadoba . Would love to hear your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that these tensions and war-like happenings are taking place. It is frightening. I will see if I can view the wedding on tube if I understood you correctly. I would like that very much.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like my kind of wedding, not too elaborate and a short ceremony. It is a pity the border issues hung a bit of a cloud over the wedding.
ReplyDeleteYes, Andrew. Unlike this (which is in the south of India) North Indian wedding are much more elaborate and often even ostentatious. Thankfully, the border tensions have eased.
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