2 days and 7 weddings. It was the peak of wedding season again.
Women in their glittering sarees, men in silk dhotis and children on their best behaviour.. the air was heavy with the fragrance of incense, jasmine and burning ghee.
The Hindu ceremony, a rite known as a Samskara, itself has many components and it is quite meticulous and filled with chanting, Sanskrit blessings and ritual that is thousands of years old. Traditionally, it can last weeks or days. On average these days, it typically is at least two hours long.
Uncomfortable children squirmed in their seats.. women kept their gaze on the ceremony though occasionally watched each other from the corner of their eyes...whispered small talks...making mental notes of who's who, the sarees.. and jewelleries. Most menfolk as usual retreated to the back to catch up on wats latest.
The the priests' chants and the ring of the prayer bells competed with the deafening tunes of the marthagam music players. Apparently the loud noise was to block the couple away from negative vibes and thoughts during the ceremony.
Finally, the trumpet rose to a crescendo as the groom tied the thali around the bride's neck and rice in turmeric and flower petals showered in from all around. You can almost hear the sigh of relief. For the couple and the guests.
Another new life has begun.
