We were honored to be invited this weekend to a Hindu wedding, a very elaborate, traditional and fun event. In the wedding of Novena and Hans, there have already been an engagement party, and earlier this week a ladies party at which the bride-to-be received wedding gifts and had her hands intricately painted with henna; the Sanjeet Party is a separate event for each family---we attended the groom's family party, across town, the bride's family was hosting a similar party of eating, dancing, and singing. We were immediately ushered into the elegant tent-covered reception hall that just days previously had been the groom's family's front yard and driveway. White and red linens adorned the walls, chairs, and tables; lights and a beautiful chandelier lit it up. The carport had been converted into a dance hall, and the seating area was unrecognizable as the driveway. A formal stage was adorned with beautiful fresh flowers. We were warmly welcomed, and made to feel at home; talk, pictures, meeting family members. I got to use my few rudimentary Mauritian Creole phrases repeatedly, to the surprised giggles of listeners, young and old. Dinner was a traditional hands-only variety of seven curries and rice served on faux-banana leaf sheets. I sat next to the oldest brother/uncle ("cha cha") and he proudly pointed out his five successful children, all of whom are India-educated medical doctors, each married to medical doctors. Dinner was followed by singing and dancing---and great anticipation for Sunday's wedding ceremony at the temple. See our next post for that!
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