Vandita's wedding - the real thing!

The day started with a helping hand from a maid in the hotel, who draped our saris. She did it more than one way. Silje’s came from the back over her shoulder and was spread out emphasizing the embroidery. The rest of us wrapped from the front, over the left shoulder. Some had more coverage, others less, and some had more safety pins, others less. The men didn’t need help dressing. ;-) We put on our bling and took a taxi right on schedule to get to the wedding at 11 am. 

The seat where the couple will greet their guests

The entrance 

Guess what Vandita's favorite color is?

May Britt, me, Elna, Emil, Adrian, Silje, Olav, Mette, Madelein, and Lise in our finery

It was at Tivoli Gardens Resort Hotel, in an outside place with orange and gold draped tables and chairs, canopies, and a couple of “stages”. The area was surrounded by food stations, plus there was a huge area full of tables under a tent, with many more food stations. We were the first ones there. We expected that. We’ve learned about “India time”! The workers were still setting up the big stage with a white fur blanket. The traditional Indian band and dancers started up a joyful song. They had big drums, horns that had a shape of a gourd near the mouth, and tambourines and hand cymbals. Lots of leaping in the air and spinning around!

Vandita's uncle made us all feel very welcome

Vandita’s uncle (in-law) welcomed us warmly. The boys soon found friends that they had made on Thursday night. Gaurav, Vandita’s brother, filled me in on the schedule so I would feel comfortable. Everyone complimented us on our Indian outfits. Most of the men wedding guests were not wearing traditional outfits. The food servers were everywhere, offering us drinks and snacks. 

Vandita called for us to go to her hotel room and visit. She looked spectacular! Her outfit was all sparkly and embroidered, with many layers. She had on bangles on her wrists with shiny balls hanging about 8 inches. The balls were behind her, too. She let us lift the skirt to find out how heavy it was – wow! She was so happy.

Back at the garden, Vandita’s male relatives started putting on pink turbans. The groom arrived! He was greeted with great ceremony. There was a red ribbon across the entrance. All his family was outside, all hers inside. But one of her bridesmaids offered him a scissors tied with a red bow so that he could cut the ribbon and come in. 

His headdress was as sparkly and looked as heavy as Vandita’s outfit. He was led up to the loveseat stage for many family photo ops. Then Vandita arrived, protected from the sun by her brothers shading her with a beautiful cloth. 

She was led up to the stage with the white fur rug, where she met her groom. They exchanged garlands and drank champagne, smiling from ear to ear. 

Then they walked together to the love seat. All the guests lined up to give the couple their best wishes and get their pictures taken. It was lovely.

Meanwhile, the food was ready and everyone queued up and enjoyed the food, company and sunshine. Pretty soon, the bride and groom and close relatives were also allowed to eat. Vandita said she was hungry. She had butterflies in the stomach before the ceremony, but now – now it was fun.

After lunch, the guests started giving their goodbyes. Vandita and Ankur were still not married, mind you! The marriage ceremony took place under a gazebo. 

First, the priest had a lot to do with Ankur. Vandita was sitting in front of the gazebo with us and her bridesmaids, but was not allowed to look toward Ankur’s ceremony. When her turn arrived, she sat on the ground next to Ankur. There was a ceremony involving throwing different petals and powders into a fire. Ankur’ sister Minny (sp?) tied together the cloths that they had draped over them. If that knot is any indication, they will have a strong marriage! 

At the end of the serious part, the priest gave them advice. One thing that got a giggle was that however much money he made, he had to tell Vandita.  They walked around the fire 7 times, sometimes with Vandita in front, sometimes with Ankur in front. When Ankur put something on her forehead, everyone applauded. Now they are married!

The sun had gone down, and the fingernail-moon hung over a bright planet. It turns out that Neptune, Venus, and Uranus were all lined up underneath the moon today. I’ll bet that is why the 28^th is an auspicious day, and there were many weddings. Vandita teared up several times, especially during the farewells. There were many moist eyes before they got in the get-away car.

I've had many teary moments since then. The thing is, one time Vandita told me that after visiting me and Ed, she called Ankur and told him that she wanted what we had. I wish Ankur and Vandita a loving and strong marriage!