WEDDING OF ANUKARAN AND NIVEDITA

This set of photos covers the engagement party, wedding and home coming for Anu and Nivedita. Anu is the son of Anil Deshwal and his wife Madhu. Anil is Naipal’s brother-in-law. I am considered an adopted uncle and was therefore treated as a member of the family.

I joined Naipal at the engagement party in Badhave, my third visit to the village. The engagement party recognise the commitment of the bride’s family to the marriage so it wasn’t necessary for the bride to attend! The party held on Nov 19, 2008 was an occasion for family, friends and village neighbours to join in the festivities.

The second occasion was at the wedding itself that was held in Delhi on Nov 25, 2008, if my memory serves me right. Anu arrived appropriately on a white horse. Guests included family and friends from both the bride and groom’s families. Guests came from many parts of India, U.K., U.S. and Canada. A lavish feast of snacks, main course and deserts was provided under the star lit sky. There was music and dancing as well. The wedding feast was mainly an occasion for the two families to meet together. The religious wedding was held later in the night at an hour determined by the pandits (priests). Generally, only close family attend. After eating too much and enjoying meeting the interesting family and friends I left at 11:00 pm to return to the Guest House in Noida.

Finally, around Dec 5, 2008 there was the home coming when the bride and groom came over to meet the groom’s family. The occasion was a home cooked supper at Surendrapal and Kalpana’s home in Noida. Kalpana is Anil’s sister and Anu’s auntie.

Anu and Nivedita are both accomplished young people. Anu works for Citi Bank’s real estate division while Nevedita works as an editor in a travel magazine. They were planning their honeymoon in Mauritius. My photos give an impression of the occasions.