A Marriage
Indian marriages are a festival in themselves. They are full of fun, frolic, dance, music, pathos, and beauty. All of us look forward to attending Weddings, especially those of our near and dear ones. On the assigned day, the groom’s friends and relatives start from their houses in a procession They are all dressed in their best clothes. The groom sits astride a bedecked mare. The procession is accompanied by a musical and Everyone dances to the tunes played by the band. When they reach the bride’s place, they are received by the bride’s father d other relatives. The place of marriage is beautifully decorated with flowers and tiny electric bulbs. The ceremony of Jai Mala is performed on the stage which is specially made for this occasion. This is followed by dinner. After the dinner, the bride and the groom proceed to a Mandap, which is made of banana leaves, marigold flowers, and red and orange cloth. In the center of the Mandap, the holy fire is lit. The bride and groom go seven times around it. Finally, the groom fills the center parting on the bride’s forehead with vermilion. They are then pronounced man and wife. The groom and his parents then take leave from the bride’s parents. This moment is full of pathos. The bride and her relatives start crying because the bride will no longer stay with them. They all bless her. And then they part. In this way, a wedding comes to an end.
