No superlatives can easily describe such a glorious day for the beautiful couple about to get married. On this sunny Saturday morning the friends and families were all getting ready in their best outfits . As is tradition, the extended families ,friends and guests of the bride were all out to receive the bridegroom.
There was so much colour, excitement, traditional Gujrati songs, children and adults all close together waiting for the bridegroom to arrive. We were all taken aback that Ashish was arriving in an elephant. Hey, n this is The US of A, and surely this was unreal. But lo and behold there he was, with a turban, veil, a decorated elephant, coming across as a prince to get married, fronted by his dancing retinue,singing traditional punjabi songs amongst loud dholki!
This is not easy for photographers ( so many flashing) as everybody is so excited, trying to get closer to the action. As the groom dismounts, and the elephant gracefully retreats, the formal welcoming starts with the respective elders from each side. There is plenty of singing, and Vinu welcomes Ashish’s father, and they have the traditional cuddling competition with with by an elder couple from each side. So much fun. I was to mind Saya, and she was so focused on the event, she forgot who was carrying her….that was a special!
So all onto the ceremony at the top of the Marriot, wedding in open air, in a spectacular setting, with the mandvo in the far end, a setting to capture the feel of a perfect day, and so it was. Plenty of flowers, garlands, colour, amidst a blue, fresh, cool, Californian morning.
After the usual Nasta, and masala tea, the witnesses to this ceremony were called to settle down, and the Sodha brothers, walk onto the ‘Mehdan’ in twos and unison, and stand aside for our beautiful princess Amee being surrounded by her bridesmaids and escorted and given away by her maternal uncle, Vinubhai.
There was plenty of cheering, and the grand finale started in earnest with the hindu priest getting everybody to settle down. The bride and the bridegroom are of course the focus, with the priest working them though the relevant feras, and symbolism.
My sister, Niru sang though each of the feras in Gujarati, and the song probably is still ringing in most ears. The meaning of each of the feras were explained, and this is an incredibly personal, and wise meaning that has stood the test of time for thousands of years. For all that are married, they probably reflect on the same when they did.
There are of course the fun events such as the stealing of the bridegrooms shoe, and three or four galant youngsters, including Nimesh, Maya and our Driren mastermind the ‘theft’. There is a handsome reward and the opposite ‘army of defeated youngsters’ are planning a recovery by to no avial. Then there is the ‘dominant partner test’ …who sits down first and whilst I missed it, the answer is obvious, Amee. Many a women have occupied this seat, whatever her husband thinks!
Now for the congratulations, photos, photos, and photos of all the families with Dr Ashish Kapoor and his bride, Dr Amee Kapoor. Then we all get downstairs for the farewell, Vidai. Kleenex is a must on these occasions, and after the traditional ‘goodbyes’, the bride is carried away on a carriage by her cousins to the awaiting transportation befitting the occasion…..a Roller. There is the coconut breaking ceremony on the wheel of the car, and the holding it back tradition for a kings ransom which was making the cousins excitable and depleting the groom of his last reserves. Off they go…….and we all relax and retire for the reception!
The evening event was in the grand hotel ball room, with Ashishs family making a singing and dancing entrance followed a Rikshawala, with a bride. That was classic. Then the speeches, all thanking everybody, and without much ado, after Vinus speech, Amee’s. She captured all her thoughts and feelings in a deeply emotional way for her wonderful sister, friend, and confidante.
Finally it was a party….fortunately stayed sober….and remember all the dances, the dancing, the dancing competition, the food, and drink. Man….the Bhangra styles and variations were in full swing after the beautiful dances by the bridesmaids, and friends, and of course the newly weds.
This great state, California, has witnessed the marriage of our beautiful daughter to her handsome husband, and the Sodha parivar wish them the very best always.
I want to personally thank Vinu, Ushabhabi, Sanjeev, Trina, and of course Amee for this fantastic family occasion that brought us all together in harmony.
Amee and Ashish ,well done, and our blessings to a long and happy marriage.
Me Kai Khoto Kithu Hoi, ka Kairu Hoi to maf Karjo!
Jay Shree Krishna