Diwali has come and gone. But we
are still caught in that festive mood.
And the reason for celebration is
a cousin sister’s wedding.
Fun and frolic. Zeal and zest.
Vibrant and vivacious. Rituals and merry making.
Nothing short of a carnival.
A carnival … that is going to
last a month approximately.
A carnival … half of which will
take place in my native Mandi and the other half in Chandigarh where the groom’s
family stays.
Tomorrow.
The day when the
family will attend the “Path da Bhog”. Some days back, all of us had gone to
the Gurudwara Sahib … to tell the priests to start the recital of the Holy
“Shri Guru Granth Sahib” specially to mark the beginning of the ceremonies of
this wedding. The recital was “Sahaj” … suited to the schedule of the reader
... and will finish tomorrow. This will be followed by a short prayer “Ardaas”
… the word of the “Guru” will be received and blessings sought … to ward off
all obstacles.
Friday, the 11th of
this month.
“Kirtan”
Ceremony. The ladies of the family and the congregation will collect together to
sing hymns and prayers. The girl will be given a small token representation by
the congregation. A small prayer book and praying accessories. Like telling her
that the good Lord is by her side as she steps in a new world. Like asking her
to keep The Almighty in her mind always. Like showing her that she is not
alone. That she is loved and blessed.
Saturday, the 12th of
this month.
The
most awaited evening amongst all the functions of “Phase Mandi”. The “Bangle
Ceremony”. The Dinner. The DJ. Both the “nanka” … the maternal and “dadka” …
the paternal families will get together for a bash. The girl will receive the red
and green glass bangles from all the girls and ladies there which she will wear
till her wedding day. The tinkling of so many bangles wards off the negative
energies, brings good luck and fortune.
Sunday, the 13th of
this month.
The
Dham. Traditional lunch. Prepared only by Brahmin chefs … “the botis” in copper
utensils. The cooking will start from Saturday evening itself. Served in leaf
plates … “the pattals” to people who sit on the floor. It will be a seven
course meal. Rice will be consumed … with “meetha” … sweet made of “boondi”; “sepu
badi” … local traditional dish of Mandi; “khatta” … a tangy dish made of
pumpkin; “rajmah” … the kidney beans; “matar paneer” … a tasty cheese and peas
dish with lots of gravy; “daal makhani” … the black lentil; and finally “the
jhol” … curd cooked with turmeric and spices. Mouth watering and delicious.
“Phase Mandi” ends here.
And “Phase Chandigarh” will have
to wait. As “Phase Mandi” invitations are
still pending and I can hear my aunt panicking in the other room. That means I should get ready now and have a trip round the town extending hearty and cordial invitations.
Ruby...you have an extraordinary gift of writing about simple things in life in such an interesting and optimistic way...My husband and I read all your articles today and were impressed by your writing skills...hope someday you will print your articles in a book and print it for us all....keep writing ...best of luck :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd not to mention your articles about mandi's life make me feel and proud of simple life of himachalis :-) take care shilpi chauhan
Thank you Ma'am
ReplyDeleteI am feeling so tempted to come up for that Dham. Although I had that delicious food long long time back but still, I can't resist the water in my mouth at mere mention of this. Anyways, enjoy the wedding and all the ceremonies too!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Rashmi
ReplyDeleteI was Not Aware of this fact that u are sharing all these things in such a impressive manner...
ReplyDeletefrom i ll go though ur each piece of writing
Keep It up
Thank you Rattan.
ReplyDelete