It was a Monsoon Wedding and a half. Not only were the celebrations hosted in some of the most exotic locations, but the sheer amount of decorative creamy white roses, shiny gold jewelry, glittering sarees, and incredibly friendly guests made the weekend's festivities quite memorable. The pinnacle of the excitement, however, came on Saturday night as the traditional Muslim ceremonies were closing. (And now, my probably badly botched attempt to paraphrase..)
The bride's uncle, who is one of the most all-time famous Bollywood stars, stood up to congratulate his niece her lucky husband, waxed and waned briefly about the usual long life - happy marriage - many kids - well wishing, then made a profound comment to the international, very multi-cultural crowd.
In a heavy, booming voice, microphone dangling in one hand, the other gesticulating above his glistening, balding skull, peering at the crowd behind his typical old-hipster burnt orange sunglasses (probably a remnant from the flashy 1970's Bollywood style)... reflected on his family's acceptance of the inter-religious Christian-Muslim marriage and how he has encouraged his sons and daughters to not let religion act as a barrier to relationships. In India, he proclaimed that religion and nationality is of little import when welcoming people into one's life. A rough translation of what he quoted in Hindi, from a national song:
" ... religion does not teach mutual discord. Strung on a single strand we are one. We are Indians."
In looking beyond superficial differences and overcoming inter-religious strife, he hoped that people could recognize our membership to a much greater religion which supersedes all others - one of basic humanity. Our responsibility to realize and preserve our collective integrity would bring about an inherent understanding of our undeniable similarities to each other, ultimately cultivating much-lacking widespread compassion.
Undoubtedly, his speech may come across as an over the top worn-out sentiment, especially given the Western media's overexposure and dramatic packaging of the stories concerning the Iraq war, Muslim extremists, and general religious/political discord in far off places such as the middle east and developing parts of Asia... but a statement like his, urging unity and reconciliation, has a more immediate appeal when you are amidst a society in which the repercussions of inter-religious relationships are deeply-seated in centuries of conflict. Nations warred, divided, warred again... The history of India and Pakistan (and subsequent bickering over Kashmir) is a prime example of such a division, and here too I have encountered numerous personal stories in which one is limited in their selection of potential dating prospects.
Getting to the point/ending my lengthy sermon, most guests smiled and applauded in agreement, while I remained transfixed in a state of contemplation and appreciation of a charmingly simple statement with such complex implications. And once again, was thankful to live in such a vibrant and hospitable country.
Aside from the movie star’s moment of solemnity, the weekend was an entertaining mix of dancing to the DJ’s playlist on endless repeat both nights (which consisted ONLY of the five most popular cheesy songs in India that I now sing along to every time), discovering from my Indian friends that I can indeed pull off wearing a saree and a bindi (and that its amazingly/shockingly comfortable), and learning a new appreciation for colonial extravagance after getting to spend an evening in the beautiful Leela Palace.
Photos...
Nate wrapped up like a burrito in my saree, modeling it, working it, loving it.
Winnie, Nevena and I in full effect. Winnie was the only one who had previously owned and worn a saree, so she's a natural. Nevena borrowed hers from a co-working who did an amazing job folding and pinning it perfectly with help from a handfull of safety pins. Mine, 6 meters in length, was assembled by Winnie and fastened with only 2 pins since she's such an expert.
Scott, "Jimmy Lee" from Malaysia and Winnie. Jimmy was a wealth of endless fascination for Scott, since he was convinced he was the real-life version of the Japanese Karate master from Disney's 1984 hit The Karate Kid.
A fountain from the Golden Palms Resort... gauchely resembling the Trevi fountain in Rome.
The boys in their Kurthas (native wear) and Nevena, making them look good at the Leela.
Golden Palms pool - there are hundreds of people in the photo standing in the darkness on the other side of the water, I promise.
What an awesome saree. And the Kurtha ain't bad either.
Shabani and Nevena, stealing the show.
Golden Palms, the wedding party table before the commotion.
Winnie being a natural, Nate styling and showing off his array of model poses/faces.
Overall assessment... Wedding Crash = success.
