Here are a few pics from Suzanne & Sumeer's Hindu wedding today. What a way to celebrate the marriage of two such extraordinary people. I have known Suzanne since middle school and separately I have known Sam (Sumeer) since the salad days of college at WSU. Who knew these strangers would strike up a conversation at a BBQ (not mine) and Sam would recognize that Suzanne grew up in the same town I did? Now flash forward two years and here we are.
The depth of ritual involved in this event are so intricate and numerous that I cannot begin to describe all of the elements. But from an outsider's point of view, the pageantry and traditions give an idea of just how big of a deal weddings are in the Hindu/Indian culture.
For example, Sam (Sumeer) arrived at the front door of the temple escorted by family & friends dancing and clapping to Indian music. Suzanne wore a gorgeous red sari and had intricate Henna work her hands and feet. The ceremony itself involved lots of chanting in Sanskrit and lots of symbolic gestures involving food, fire and flowers.
One notably fun aspect is that friends of the bride have to steal the groom's shoes (which is fairly easy since you have to leave them at the door of the temple) and not give them back until he gives them cash or presents. But friends of the groom are supposed to try and get them back. In this instance, a car chase and "mission impossible" tactics were necessary for Jo-jo & Deepali to secure and hide the shoes. This resulted in them missing most of the festivities to take care of this issue. But thank whomever you'd thank in the Hindu religion that there'll be a video of the ceremony.
And yes, that's me wearing a borrowed sari.
I like wearing the
bindi best of all.
Congratulations Sumeer & Suzanne!
The depth of ritual involved in this event are so intricate and numerous that I cannot begin to describe all of the elements. But from an outsider's point of view, the pageantry and traditions give an idea of just how big of a deal weddings are in the Hindu/Indian culture.
For example, Sam (Sumeer) arrived at the front door of the temple escorted by family & friends dancing and clapping to Indian music. Suzanne wore a gorgeous red sari and had intricate Henna work her hands and feet. The ceremony itself involved lots of chanting in Sanskrit and lots of symbolic gestures involving food, fire and flowers.
One notably fun aspect is that friends of the bride have to steal the groom's shoes (which is fairly easy since you have to leave them at the door of the temple) and not give them back until he gives them cash or presents. But friends of the groom are supposed to try and get them back. In this instance, a car chase and "mission impossible" tactics were necessary for Jo-jo & Deepali to secure and hide the shoes. This resulted in them missing most of the festivities to take care of this issue. But thank whomever you'd thank in the Hindu religion that there'll be a video of the ceremony.
And yes, that's me wearing a borrowed sari.
I like wearing the bindi best of all.
Congratulations Sumeer & Suzanne!
