The Old Delhi Market...

The Old Delhi Market was unlike other markets we’ve visited in Asia. Rather than a mix of products, each type of good is in its own separate area. First we passed through cell phones and small electronics, then through cameras and photo albums. We found the elaborate silver jewelry, but never managed to find the costume jewelry which was a big disappointment as I was really looking forward to buying some fun bangles, earrings and glass beaded necklaces. Although I wasn’t in the market for a sari, that area was fun to walk through as it was very bright and colorful.

In the Big City...

After a 5-hour trip down the crazy toll road from Chandigardh, we arrived in Delhi (with a population over 13.5 million). We had the driver drop us at a guest house that Davinder’s aunt recommended. Unfortunately, it wasn’t conveniently located and we opted to switch to a Ramada closer to the center (another costly error as we weren’t in a position to negotiate and had to pay last-minute inflated prices).

We caught an auto rickshaw into Old Delhi, founded in 1639, to go to the market. Traffic was hectic. We passed by the impressive Red Fort and a beautiful temple. Unfortunately, the rest of what we saw of this historic district wasn’t very impressive. Many of the buildings we saw were badly dilapidated and in need of more than a paint job.

The Wedding Weekend Ends...

After the farewell ceremony, we went one last time to the first uncle’s house where we were greeted by some dancers and musicians. At second glance, we realized these weren’t just average dancers, but rather transvestites. It was unclear whether they were actually invited, as they are known to just show up to weddings and celebrations for births of first born males. I foolishly missed getting a photo when Jimmy was called up to dance. The surprises just never ceased.

Rather than eat another late night dinner, we caught a ride back to the hotel with the newlyweds. I was thrilled to have a chance to talk with Roohi and to assure her that I would be available to help ease her transition into life in Holland. We ended our evening on a phone call with our property manager in North Carolina, who informed us that our beautiful home had been devastatingly damaged by a burst water pipe. Being notified about the damage while in India, then trying to make all the arrangements for the reconstruction in the past weeks has been surreal.

The Farewell Ceremony...

Davinder’s father told us he needed to drop off the bridal couple at another uncle’s apartment for a farewell ceremony, then would pick us up for the final event of the evening. He then changed his mind and brought us to the farewell ceremony so that we wouldn’t miss anything. Before the newlyweds could enter the apartment, each woman had to wave a silver flask of milk in a circle seven times then take a sip to bless them with fertility.
This event was quite emotional for Roohi as she bid farewell to her brother, her only family member present. To help keep things on a lighter note, she and Davinder played several games. Here they are feeling for a ring in a bowl of milk. The first to find it would supposedly wear the pants in the family. We didn’t understand much of what happened, but it was fascinating and we felt honored to be included.

A Wedding Like No Other...

The wedding service was an hour long and included a lot of blessings and readings from the sacred book. We were happy to see a large screen with many of the prayers translated. When Davinder and Roohi circled the altar four times, they were officially married. Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel for a late lunch and the newlywed’s first dance. It was great fun when we all did a conga line around the room. We missed the final ceremony at the hotel when Roohi was carried in flowered cage (similar to a palanquin that royalty would be carried in) to signify leaving her family and joining Davinder’s.

At the Temple...

We finally arrived at the temple, about two hours late. We dropped off our shoes at the shoe check, then rinsed our hands and feet. Davinder’s uncle fashioned a turban for Jimmy out of the scarf that all the men on Davinder’s side of the family wore. I received a lot of compliments for wearing Indian clothes.

The Couple Sees Each Other...

It’s always fun watching when a bridal couple sees each other in their wedding clothes for the first time and this was no exception. Of course, this wedding was quite different from any other we’ve been to since we spent so much time with the groom over the last few days, and were now just getting to see the bride for the first time. After they posed for photos for the photographer and videographer team for each family, we all headed to the temple.