Double Delight

My social calendar just got a sparkly, double whammy makeover this month. I found myself hip-deep in not one, but two utterly fabulous and fantastically elaborate shindigs, courtesy of the same family and all within a dizzying 10-day sprint, kicking off with my friend's son getting engaged! The event took place at the Swagat Grand in A.S. Rao Nagar. I had pictured a quick ring exchange, a blessing from the elders, a bite to eat, and then boom, done. Oh, how wrong I was!

Before we even got to the bling, there was a puja that stretched on for over two hours. The boy and girl to be engaged, were right there in the thick of it – apparently, it's a Tamilian tradition for the couple who are getting engaged, to do this together before tying the knot. Mind blown! After that, they did a quick costume change, looking sharp as ever, and mingled with all the guests, soaking up the congratulations. Then, a giant cake appeared for a cutting ceremony! It just kept getting more and more elaborate. They even exchanged garlands before finally, finally, getting to the ring exchange.

What really got me was how the couple, in what was an arranged marriage, looked like they'd been together forever. Seriously, the joy radiating from the bride's parents was practically overflowing. And then, there was her paternal uncle, who was so beside himself with happiness that he grabbed the mic and serenaded everyone! He belted out "Aisa Mauka Fir Kahan Milega" a Hindi song with such perfect pitch and gusto that the crowd went wild. He was completely jazzed and kept churning out songs, one after another!

Everyone was loving the impromptu concert, but my stomach had other plans. It was rumbling like a grumpy bear, so I stealthily slipped away to raid the buffet. I piled my plate high, had desserts galore, and sealed the deal with a paan. Feeling utterly stuffed and in a happy food coma, I figured it was my cue to exit. But not before the groom's parents handed out goodie bags – a little treasure trove of savouries, sweets, fruit, and even haldi kumkum. What a day!!!

Ten days later, on the 23rd it was a Sashtipurthi Soiree, a Tale of Sarees, Dhoti, and Missing Melodies! The boy’s parents were probably still recovering from all the excitement of their son’s engagement and it was time for their Sashtipurthi bash! Now, for those not in the know, this isn't just any birthday party. It's like a full-blown wedding redo for the parents, Tamilian style! So, instead of cake and candles, there were pujas, marriage vows, and even garland-swapping!

The wife's parents blessed their daughter with a nine-yard saree. Meanwhile, the husband's side kept it chill with a Mundu (dhoti) and shirt. Realistic! No-nonsense, unlike some of us who practically need a crane to get dressed. The spiritual marathon kicked off at a breezy 5:30 AM and finally wrapped up around 11:00 AM. After that, it was outfit change time! The wife, according to the stars and planets, slipped into a blue normal saree with a silver border. And get this, her name and hubby's were embroidered on the pallu! She looked-completely a different person after shedding that nine-yard saree. The husband, bless his consistent soul, changed his shirt and mundu, but, he still looked, exactly the same.Then came the gift avalanche. Friends and relatives, armed with packages, absolutely buried the couple in presents which filled a couple of humongous bags. It looked like they wouldn't need to buy clothes for the next five years! 

Now, for a minor tragedy: no singing! The designated crooner, who also happened to be the couple's would-be daughter-in-law's uncle, was a no-show. I was personally waiting for a rousing rendition of "Tum Jio Hazaro Saal." Seriously, everyone missed him. 

We had potatoes and mirchi bhajias as starters to kick off the culinary festivities!

Lunch was a pure Brahmin-style spread, though honestly, I couldn't tell the difference myself. What I could tell you is that it was garlic and onion-free. The buffet was a carb-lover's dream: puri, potato bhaji, plain daal, sambar, one mixed veg, pulihara, plain rice, papad, three different types of pickle, plain yogurt, and raita. For dessert, there was Kala jamun and strawberry ice cream. And, mind you, they didn't forget the paan.

Though I'm usually not a siesta kind of person but after all that food, I was seriously dreaming of my couch. Maybe it was the sheer volume of deliciousness, but a change of scene-was definitely calling my name. The return gift ritual was performed, and I finally made it home, secretly hoping for more such ceremonies but not this month. Who needs a vacation when you have engagement and Sashtipurthi ceremonies on this scale!!