Recalling the stupefied and bewildered days of January and February, 2014, I can only look back now with much satisfaction and content. The big wedding ceremony was set a months time from the date of the engagement. Loads of work and preparation was at hand for the main events. In the Bengali tradition, there are usually three ceremonies, Gaye holud (Body turmeric), Shubho Bibaho ( the main wedding itself) and Bou Bhat (reception for the bride). My father being religious and pious man, did not like the concept of all the ceremonies. He was vehement about not holding the gaye holud ceremony but his situation changed as the events drew close. Afterall, he had been outside the country for 29 years and had little knowledge how the ceremonies related to weddings in this country has evolved. Finally he cave in to all our demands and had to agree. He perhaps followed the saying, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

As the ceremonies drew closer, so were the preparations being put into it. The wifey with my cousins and my mom had done shopping and other related works. At these testing times in the economy, most families go for a grandeur “gaye holud” jointly and it becomes a massive ceremony in itself. However, we followed no such practice.  We had the ‘body turmeric’ ceremony on our own in a small lake side restaurant. After gaining much awaited approval of father, my brothers and brothers from other mothers were busy preparing for the event specially the singing and the dancing performances. The “gaye holud” was a lively event and a small get together of our dearest kins.

Finally the day of the wedding ceremony. I was always tensed and pensive about how people handle and manage life changing events such as marriage . But as I have experienced it myself, when such event draws close, you are simply taken into a roller coster ride or you travel through a wormhole sort of. You enter at one end, and before you know it, you are swept to the other side. Such is the pace of events like wedding. It can be because everyone comes together on this happy occasion and contributes.

One interesting thing to note is, while I reached the hall for the wedding ceremony, one of my teachers during my A levels was there to receive me. Apparently, he was good friends with my teacher. After the ceremony, the feasting and formalities finally headed home with the Wifey. We were escorted by motor cycles all the way home since it was late at night. Upon returning home, more formalities commenced. Here are the talking pictures to enlighten you on the days events.

and the ceremonies continue……..