On the way from the hotel, where we are still amused that the elevator says "Floor 3" as it delivers us to room 410, I stop at the tailor's. My suit is mostly made, and a final fitting is quite comfortable. He is a good tailor, and no changes need to be made. However, he does have to finish up a few things, so I'll have to return later in the day.
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| Ankita, in white shawl, gets her bangles on |
At the Jains', Ankita is receiving her bangles. Her mother's family has selected the jewelry, and her mother's brother supervises the activity. Each bracelet is dipped in a mix of water and milk to purify it. The bangles are slipped over her lotioned knuckles until they fill the space between her wrist and elbow. Tradition dictates that the bangles will remain on her arm for fifteen months, or until she is pregnant, whichever comes first. Even while taking showers, the bangles would remain on.
It's time for me to take another taxi ride to my tailor and back. The suit is ready, and I'm back to the Jains' house.
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| J.D. is ready |
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| Lindy in sari, Andrew and Bob in hats |
Everyone is getting their finery on. Women are having their saris fitted and hair done at the local community center. J.D. has a full-length royal suit. His hat takes a while to arrange. Not only must all the folds of fabric be neat, but strings of pearls must be tied just so. A huge doubled florette of folded rupees is placed around his neck and hangs down his chest.
Meanwhile the band plays on ... (see video) The "Maharajah Band" plays music outside the front door of the house while the wedding party gets prepared to depart. Finally, we are ready and board a bus which is driven to the Siddhartha Resort, all of which has been reserved for tonight's festivities. By the time Lindy and I get off the bus, J.D. has already been boosted up to the top of a robed and painted elephant, which is elegantly walking to the resort entrance. When we finally enter the grounds, we see dozens of stands preparing various food treats. Waiters cruise the crowd offering drinks (all non-alcoholic) and finger foods. Plates full of delectables are available on the perimeter, tables are scattered around and seats are arranged in rows before an elevated front stage where J.D. now reclines luxuriously on a huge couch. After many pictures are taken, Ankita arrives, walking elegantly despite her 40 pounds of dress, bangles and jewelry. Several men carry a roof of butterfly tied fabric above her as she walks. She joins J.D. on the stage, where they drape each other with colorful leis. The holy man with long white hair has them repeat phrases in English that he composes with inspiration on the spot. J.D. is reminded that he can only succeed and be happy by making Ankita successful and happy. This is about the only part of tonight's ceremony that reminds me of a classical American church wedding. The vows do not last long. Then friends and family take their turns on the stage for picture opportunities. This lasts about an hour. A dance floor next to the stage lights up and the DJ starts playing music. The dance routines that some of the wedding party has been practicing are performed to the cheers of the crowd. Arun takes a turn with Renu to thunderous applause. J.D. and Ankita have a Bollywood take on romance as he approaches her, but she pushes him away, until their mutual love overcomes all resistance.
The dance floor is thrown open to the public at large, munching continues, but by midnight the party has moved inside to yet another set of food delights, including desserts. A long table seats the wedding party, who are served several courses of food. Andrew shaves his mustache off after pulling off a trick on his friend J.D. that he promised almost a decade earlier. Isa is happier to have him clean-shaven. Lindy, Bob and I finally leave around 2:00 am, so we miss seeing a fire into which things are thrown - probably burning old attachments and permitting the wedding to progress unsullied by the past - however, I may be making up the significance of the fire.
Meanwhile the band plays on ... (see video) The "Maharajah Band" plays music outside the front door of the house while the wedding party gets prepared to depart. Finally, we are ready and board a bus which is driven to the Siddhartha Resort, all of which has been reserved for tonight's festivities. By the time Lindy and I get off the bus, J.D. has already been boosted up to the top of a robed and painted elephant, which is elegantly walking to the resort entrance. When we finally enter the grounds, we see dozens of stands preparing various food treats. Waiters cruise the crowd offering drinks (all non-alcoholic) and finger foods. Plates full of delectables are available on the perimeter, tables are scattered around and seats are arranged in rows before an elevated front stage where J.D. now reclines luxuriously on a huge couch. After many pictures are taken, Ankita arrives, walking elegantly despite her 40 pounds of dress, bangles and jewelry. Several men carry a roof of butterfly tied fabric above her as she walks. She joins J.D. on the stage, where they drape each other with colorful leis. The holy man with long white hair has them repeat phrases in English that he composes with inspiration on the spot. J.D. is reminded that he can only succeed and be happy by making Ankita successful and happy. This is about the only part of tonight's ceremony that reminds me of a classical American church wedding. The vows do not last long. Then friends and family take their turns on the stage for picture opportunities. This lasts about an hour. A dance floor next to the stage lights up and the DJ starts playing music. The dance routines that some of the wedding party has been practicing are performed to the cheers of the crowd. Arun takes a turn with Renu to thunderous applause. J.D. and Ankita have a Bollywood take on romance as he approaches her, but she pushes him away, until their mutual love overcomes all resistance.
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