So begins day two of Guyanese Wedding-palooza. Yesterday was the maticore, the pre-wedding blessing ceremony. On tap for today is the actual wedding.
Planning for the day began early in the morning when dozens of family members took to their kitchens and backyards to cook all the food for the reception. Yes, my white brethren, you read that right. Guyanese people (at least my Guyanese people) embrace as tradition the idea of cooking all their own food for religious events. Curries of pumpkin, mango and potato are mixed in cast-iron pots the size of tractor-trailer tires. Rice is cooked and dal is boiled. No meat, however, and definitely — hold onto your flasks — no alcohol. The rum is reserved for the day after the wedding, when a Western-style wedding reception is held. More on that tomorrow.
But for today, here is the beautiful, joyous and at times raucous event I was privileged enough to attend. Click on the photos to open the slideshow.
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- At the entrance to the wedding hall, the women from the bride’s family wait with gifts for the groom. The energy is so happy and excited, the tassa band so electric, it’s hard not to break into dance.
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- Turban alert! The groom Amit arrives. But first, a quick prayer with his brother, Tem (left) and father Vick.
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- If there is one word I would use to describe a Guyanese wedding, it is “joyous.” And if there’s one picture that shows that, it’s this one of the mother of the groom, Joyce.
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- The bride’s father greets the groom’s father. No stiff handshakes here.
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- The matriarch of the mother’s family meets him at the door.
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- Offerings are made.
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- More dancing!
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- Remember what I said about “pure joy?” Have you ever seen happier parents?
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- The groom’s family awaits the bride’s arrival. (No, that’s not me. What do you think all white people look alike?)
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- No flower girls here, yet the aisle is lined with rose petals.
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- Happy, but a bit nervous too I think. You’ll do great Amit!
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- It’s showtime! To start, the groom’s mother and father escort him to the mandap, which is a gazebo-type contraption where the wedding ceremony will be performed. I love that Mom is included here.
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- A parade of young women from the bride’s family start the bride’s procession. Oh, and no Bach or Handel played here. This is all done to the heart-pounding beat of tassa.
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- Here comes the bride! All dressed in… red? Yes, red! That is the traditional color a bride wears. Pretty eye-popping and happy, isn’t it?
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- Kim’s father and brothers also participate in the ceremony. Her mother would have as well, but sadly she passed away. Although I have no doubt her presence was felt during this poignant moment.
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- Finally — the ceremony begins. Get a good seat, because this will take a while. From the time guests arrive to the end of the ceremony is three hours.
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- I know you what you just thought — three HOURS? Yes. There’s a series of ceremonies during which Tem, the groom’s older brother, promises to protect Kim and the kanyadaan, when Kim’s father gives Amit Kim’s right hand, signifying his approval of the union.
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- Here, the couple’s garments are tied together, signifying their eternal bond. They then circle the fire seven times, making grain offerings to the fire as they go. The grain symbolizes fertility and prosperity and the fire evokes light, power and harmony.
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- We’re almost done! The bride and groom take seven steps in unison (the Pandit will correct them if each step is not perfectly timed). Each step is a prayer asking for properity, harmony, wisdom and strength.
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- Kim places her foot on a stone and vows unwavering devotion to her marriage. (Curiously, only the bride has to make this pledge.)
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- Garlands are exchanged, a sign of their love and commitment.
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- And look! They’re married. Huh, you say? No kiss? Nope, just look closely at the picture. Notice anything different? Take a second… Okay here it is: They switched seats! Kim is now seated on Amit’s left, which means they are married.
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- And then they do this. During which time I can only hope lots of scandalous things that a good Guyanese boy and girl would never let their parents see is happening.
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- Presenting… the happy married couple! Now let’s eat!
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- Some outtakes… I had to show off my beautiful daughter Mira.
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- And my handsome son, aka Rico-Miles-ay. I am in trouble!
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- This is my mother- and father-in-law, Basil and Padma, who emigrated from Guyana nearly 50 years ago and are the reason a good chunk of the 300-plus people at Amit and Kim’s wedding are here as well. Pioneers!
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- This time, the white girl is me. And those are my sisters-in-law. We swear that this is the year we make it to Vegas. But first… we party at tonight’s wedding reception.