India Weddings

Omprakash, a teacher at Shishya, got married this week (it’s a three or four day event) and the Republic of India holiday was the same day so we didn’t have school the whole day. The school day consisted of raising the flag, a few speeches and games. The teachers were invited to the wedding festivities but we just attended the lunch, which was a cultural experience in itself. You walk in with loud music playing and the couple is sitting on the stage in fancy seats that look like thrones! There are chairs out like an audience set up so people can sit and watch them. There is another room for food. Our teacher friend was all smiles! His bride looked beautiful in the wedding attire. The food was delicious, of course. We didn’t drink the water because it was a bad idea so the hot food was a little intense. We gave money all together and it’s bad luck to give an even amount, so we contributed 901 rupees.

On Thursday night we went to the wedding dinner for the teacher I took over teaching English. Her name is Lata. I wore my first sari (between 5-8 meters of cloth!) I felt pretty in it! It took about 15 minutes to put on and Ruth, a parent in the small boys house, put it on me. It’s wrapped and tucked around you and pinned in a few areas to keep it up. I felt like the connection at this wedding event was closer since I knew Lata. When we showed up she hadn’t been out of her house yet for her appearance. She walked down the isle around 1045! She called us all in before hand and we got to talk with her and take some pictures. I was so taken away with how beautiful she looked and how incredible her wedding outfit was. She asked how teaching was going and if the kids had been naughty! The groom was up front before she was but when she walked down the isle with a sheet held over her head like a ceiling, she went to the front and they exchanged flowers they wear around their necks, which concluded their marriage. She looked absolutely incredible. It was an amazing experience. Enjoy the pictures. Liz got some good ones with my camera of her since I wasn’t at a good angle in the room to do so.

To see the rest of the wedding pictures click here.