The first day of the Hindu wedding is dedicated to ceremonies for cleansing and protection, the so-called Haldi. Close families and dear friends of the bride and groom gather at bride Mithuna's parental home. The Indian visitors, just like the soon-to-be couple, look stunning in their beautiful, colorful clothing. I feel very underdressed in my jeans and T-shirt.
Lars, the groom, is sprinkled with a mixture of milk, grass and flower petals by all the guests. Mithuna, the bride, is then rubbed into her face, arms and hands by everyone with a mixture of yoghurt and spices. I am asked to break a coconut by hitting it with the back of an axe. Fortunately, I am still provided with suitable clothing for this. A banana tree is also planted outside by the groom and his parents, as it produces many fruits and new shoots. I don't think I need to explain what that symbol stands for.
Between the ceremonies there is plenty of time for getting acquainted, socializing and eating. The dishes come from the south of India and taste better to me than the dishes from the north. Great to be able to enjoy Indian cuisine again.
The second day of the wedding takes place under the watchful eye of 280 guests in the hall at a temple. The priest completes the (many) ceremonies together with family and bridal couple while the guests enjoy the colorful view and the snacks.
Finally, the bridal couple can present themselves as a married couple and receive the congratulations and gifts. After a delicious Indian dinner, this impressive day ends and we are one step further in this beautiful Hindu marriage.
The third part of the wedding, the party, is in a beautiful location in the St. Kilda district. A very short official ceremony follows and after the mutual yes-word the party goes wild. The bridal couple has made a fun quiz and opens the dance floor with a playful opening dance, after which the legs go wild.
The DJ cleverly responds to the international audience by also blasting Indian and Dutch hits from the loudspeakers. For the rest of the evening, most of the guests are brotherly swinging together on the dance floor.
Unfortunately, the party ends earlier than usual in the Netherlands, but we already know that a fourth holiday will follow in the Netherlands. Then let's do it all over again!
