So That was a Little Different

So my friends and I got a unique opportunity the other day.  We all got invited to an Indian village wedding.  Since this would be a little different, and culturally very Indian, we all said yes, of course. So a couple weeks ago, we all went down into the bazaar to buy Indian cloths.  The guys all went shopping for Kurtas and pajamas (think a knee length long sleeve shirt, and super baggy pants) and then to complete the outfit we went to a shoe shop and bought pointy toed shoes.  We had already been warned that most people at the wedding would probably be dressed western style, but if you're going to draw attention anyway, why not go all out right?

So last Thursday we all dressed up Indian style and loaded up to head to the wedding.  I drew the straw to ride on the back of on of the bikes.  The only problem was that no one said that it would be an hour and a half ride out there, so by the time we arrived, I was sore!  We were early, but there were still some people there, and immediately cameras started popping out everywhere.  I felt like we were getting mobbed by the paparazzi.  It was really quite strange.  I mean, isn't this someone else's wedding?

Finally, we went over tho the big wedding tent to watch the arrival of the groom and his party which was quite entertaining, since it was accompanied by a band and lots of people dancing.  Then it was time for lunch.  Since everyone here is very hospitable, and I guess they figured we couldn't fend for ourselves, we went back in the house and they served us lunch.  Very traditionally Indian, but very good.

By the time lunch was over we could hear the music, which meant it was time for dancing.  Bad Indian Dancing.  There was kind of just a mosh pit up in front of the speakers, so they guys were sort of just expected to jump right in.  Fortunately for someone like me with two left feet, sticking up one arm and waving it a little, then repeating with the other arm counts as dancing.  Only then did I figure out the hand motions.  We were all dancing to a Gurdwali drinking song.  Wonderful!  I'm sure this looks awesome!  But apparently seeing all the white guys dance was a hit for everyone there.  And then the music broke.  I think all of us were glad for the break.  In the meantime, we all sat down and played some Indian children's game that is something like patty-cake, except that when each person was eliminated they had to dance.  So obviously, after about 30 seconds, we had drawn the whole crowd  Good times. Good times.

By this time, everyone had taken their pictures with the bride and groom, so it was time for the ceremony.  A lot of people left, but we stayed to see something very different than anything I have ever seen.  Overall it was a very long, hot, fun, entertaining day.  I am really thankful to Prem for inviting us to experience something very different.

I have pictures to post up, but unfortunately I can't put them up from out here at my hotel.  I will have them up as soon as I can, so check back for them soon.

Till Next Time,
Josh