Indian Weddings are unmatched in grandeur, glamour and luxury. Also in wastage, extravagance and
vulgar display of money and wealth. Record your experience of such marriages in your diary entry
(100-120) words.
Answers
It is no silent affair. It is one of the most crucial events in the life of every Indian mother, father, daughter, son, brother or sister etc. The word ‘Indian Wedding’ carries a whole baggage of an entire fortune which people long to spend. An Indian wedding is not just a day’s affair. It starts with the hunt for the perfect match followed by celebrations, lasting at least for a week, before marriage.
An Indian wedding is almost like a festival, the festivities and celebrations all around, create an aura of joy and excitement. In such an environment, one’s happiness knows no bounds. Exchange of gifts, greetings is a common sight at an Indian wedding, elaborate preparations are made in the terms food, fun, floral decoration etc.
The bride and bridegroom are adorned with the most precious jewels and attire. The expenditure, pomp and show make it an extravagant affair. Not only the pomp and show but the whole environment at an Indian wedding is bright, colorful and grand.
It is a custom for the bridegroom’s family, relatives and friends to reach the bride’s house in a procession, accompanied by a band, with the groom, riding a mare, dressed like a prince, wearing a garland of Indian currency.
The friends and relatives dance in front of the procession. Along with this, firecrackers are also burst, in frequent succession, adding to the festivities and announcing the arrival of the groom. When the procession reaches the bride’s house, the bride’s family comes forward to welcome the procession with Tilak, garlands and a token gift, usually in the form of money.
Sometimes, it is only the close family members, who are welcomed with money, it is also customary to throw money in the air which is collected by the poor people and men playing the band.
The bride is then brought forward, surrounded by her friends and relatives, for exchanging garlands with the groom. After this, the bride and the groom are seated on a raised platform, on throne like chairs.
All the guests then come turn wise to give their good wishes and wedding gifts. The most important part of the wedding is the taking of vows by the bride and the groom, who go around the fire seven times, amidst chanting of mantras by the priests, in the presence of the guests who are witnesses of this union. When the religious ceremony is over, the bride and the groom are pronounced husband and wife.
The festivities do not end here they continue for another two to three days. The ‘Bidaai’, entry of the bride into the new family, reception, all are occasions to celebrate. In short, an Indian wedding is a rich bonanza, replete with rituals and ceremonies.
Dear Diary:
Today I attended a wedding; I was shocked to see such an extravagant wastage of wealth! Thousands of people were wasting food. They were throwing half-eaten plates full of food into the bins. Thousands of lights were wastefully running. I felt so sad to think of the contrast between the rich and the poor in our country. There are millions of people who live below poverty line. Our country is the country of paradoxes. On one hand the government has launched 'Save Power Campaign' and ‘Save Food Campaign’; on the other hand it is turning blind eye to the large scale wastage of food, electricity and fuel in the name of ostentatious weddings, parties, and other celebrations. The government must make power consumption and food consumption regulation policy at marriage palaces and wedding resorts. People must also realize such wastage is an obstacle in the course of our country's progress.