It all starts when Punam receives a beautiful love letter from Amit:
Actually, the day starts a little earlier, with Punam getting in wedding mode:
Ioana is in "mirror pictures" phase:
And she's enjoying every second of it:
She even finds one in the car:
Meanwhile, I spend time with Amit and his coconut, which was custom designed by Punam:
The best man is helping with the shoes:
And his little nieces are helping with the relaxation. I'm not sure how those traditional devices work, but it looks like this:
We are so close to have royal guests:
Known as the 'Jaan-Samaiya' is the part where the grooms's family and friends arrive at the wedding hall. As always, there's singing and dancing:
A young girl from the bride's family carries a kalash and coconut:
She applies tilak - red vermillion powder - and welcomes Amit:
Var Ponkhwanu - Punam's mother performs a ceremony at the entrance to the hall to welcome Amit and his family:
Commonwealth Conference Centre:
The groom has to take his shoes off before stepping in the mandap. That's when the battle of the shoes begins:
Amit doesn't seem to care too much about that, as he's enjoying the barefoot experience:
The Antarpat represents traditional barriers and is placed in front of him, in anticipation of the arrival of his soon to be wife:
There may be the game playing on the other side of the antarpat, because Amit is really focused on something:
When the veil is lowered, the couple sees each other for the first time as bride and groom:
Jaimala - flower garlands are exchanged to signify their acceptance of each other as life long partners:
Kanya Daan & Hasta Melap - a part of this ritual dictates that the bride's parents fast until after Kanya Daan is completed:
They give their consent and blessings. In Hindu tradition, the offering of a daughter in marriage is the greatest gift parents can give:
It's always a pleasure to work with Pundit Harishankar Dabral:
He makes sure I have enough space to take pictures the way I know:
Shila-Rohan - Amit helps Punam place her right foot on a rock:
This action symbolizes a request for firm support in their lives together. True story!
Sapta Padi - "Take this fifth step with me towards progeny":
Vidai - tears of joy and sorrow wet the floor while Punam is saying goodbye to her family and friends:
Friends that don't want to let her leave before a ransom is paid. In India, this would probably be a good price, but here the girls are not impressed:
We're back at the groom's house - in this case The Four Points hotel - and I'm clueless again about the traditions. The newly weds have to step and break 2 clay pots on their way in:
Smashing success for Amit, who looks like he's done this before:
He already shows his love and devotion to his new wife by helping her:
I've seen this game before. The groom's mom throws a ring and other small items in a big bowl of milk and the newly weds have to find it:
Punam is at the top of her game:
Amit wins one round, too and all his relatives are happy for him, because this means he might have a chance to wear the pants in his new family:
I've also seen this one before, but I still don't know what it is. Among lots of other things, the bride has a red string around her wrist and her husband has to untie it before the reception:
Lord Ganesha - the remover of all obstacles - is helping him with the task:
Finally, all the rituals are done and we drive to downtown Calgary for a few shots:
The reception follows soon, so we're back at the hall:
Speeches:
Always entertaining:
The newly weds' turn:
A much acclaimed part of their speech:
First dance:
Congratulations, Punam & Amit! Thank you so much for inviting us to your celebration in Calgary!
love.more.cosmin
No comments:
Post a Comment