present him with numerous offerings including tiny bananas, which
symbolise baby boys, and rounded leaves, symbolising baby girls. It
was relaxing and fun getting to know guests, and wandering around
the exquisite resort gardens.Later that day, a henna ceremony is held there for Ashwini. The female
guests are invited to have their hands and feet covered with henna tattoos.
Ashwini’s henna designs are intricate and beautiful, symbolising
strength of love in marriage. Lavish feasts were provided for breakfast,
lunch and dinner.Day 3: Bridal Shower
On the third day is Ashwini’s bridal shower, and the festivities begin
early at her parents’ spacious home. The house is elaborately decorat-
ed with what appears to be thousands of flowers, and a group of local
musicians provide a boisterous backdrop to the intoxicating celebration.
The shower begins with an entertaining bangle ceremony, featuring a
table laden with glass bangles of every colour imaginable. Guests are
invited to choose bangles that match the colour of their wedding outfits
so they can wear them to the wedding ceremony. A priest officiates
over the lengthy ceremony, which is steeped in ritual and symbolism.
Ashwini looks beautiful, poised and calm, dressed in an elegant orange
and gold sari, lavishly studded with jewellery, her long dark tresses
adorned with fragrant flowers. We’re treated to a scrumptious feast for
lunch, then I retreat back to the apartment for some quiet time ahead of
tonight’s wedding ceremony.Day 4: Wedding Ceremony
The wedding ceremony was held over several hours at an exquisite,
five-star hotel. I’m emotionally absorbed in the vibrancy of ritual,
music, floral abundance and the scores of guests – but overriding
everything is the sacred love so evident between the young couple.
Ashwini wears a heavily embroidered and bejewelled, gold and red
sari, complemented by glittering gold jewellery. Red and gold banglesencircle her delicate arms, and red flowers are skillfully entwined in
her hair. Landon looks handsome and imposing in a white satin suit,
with a gold and white scarf. I commend their poise, solemnity and
apparent tranquility (even after spending several days in exhausting
celebrations). Because Landon doesn’t understand much of the Hindu
language, each step of the proceedings is explained to him by Ashwini
or her family members. Landon’s family are treated with honour and
respect as the two families are joined as one – a tradition in Indian
wedding ceremonies. Ashwini and Landon exchange vows, agreeing
to be companions forever, and are joined with the tying together
of scarves, symbolising their eternal bond. They are showered and
blessed with flower petals, rice and turmeric, and guests are given the
opportunity to proffer their individual blessings to the happy couple.
A touching part of the ceremony is when Ashwini and Landon dip
their hands into containers of rose petals, showering each other until
the petals pile high on the ground beneath them.Day 5: After the Wedding
The days following an Indian wedding represent time for both families
to be together, so we take advantage of the chauffers being offered to
guests and decide to explore Hyderabad – a city renowned for its
opulence and for being the seat of powerful and wealthy Mughal
dynasties at one time. Centuries-old Muslim quarters and architectural
gems abound, with ornate tombs, mosques, palaces and bazaars tucked
quietly behind every corner. Today Hyderabad is the centre of India’s
software industry, generating jobs and wealth for its citizens. However,
we also see many people living in poverty on the fringes of society.
After staying in Hyderabad for a week, we fly to Jaipur in Rajasthan
for a few days to be wowed by hilltop forts and glorious palaces,
bargain-filled bazaars, and the history and traditions still lingering in
India. All too soon we’re on our flight back home to Australia. For my
husband and I, it was such a privilege to be invited to a traditional
Indian wedding and to be treated as honoured guests. It’s definitely a
time neither of us will ever forget.44