Today was quite the day for us! We got to experience an Indian (Hindu) wedding, Indian ice cream and our cultural day. After sleeping in a little later than usual, we were told that the wedding was postponed a few hours to align with the astrological timing. This gave us an opportunity to do homework and practice our dance for the cultural day. A short time before the wedding, the house was buzzing with excitement. The girls were getting dressed in their Sarees, and the boys in their Mundas (Tal calls it a man skirt). After some last minute touches of flowers in their hair for the girls, and some traditional markings and bindis on the forehead, we quickly took some photos.
WHEW, who knew traditional Indian garb would be SO SO hot. Everyone shared some laughs over the extreme heat and loaded into the rickshaws. After a short ride to the wedding hall, we were greeted by some great bright eyed stares. We were placed in the front row, which did not have fans above it. The bride and groom looked solemn, and the brides clothing was beautiful. The groom seemed more relaxed, although it seemed as though they had either never met, or seen each other once before. The actual ceremony was quite short, consisting of lots of flower tossing, chanting and burning of oil. We all pitched in some money as a present for the couple which Paula went on stage, as it is traditional to present to them. After the wedding, we took a photo with them and then left.
It was a relief to take off the Indian garb, as we were all extremely sweaty. Some people took walks around the neighborhood and others did more homework. We all went out for ice cream, which turned out to be quite interesting. The milkshakes were more like warm milk and a tiny bit of ice cream. Flavors ranged from chocolate to apple snow bunny to choberry.
We then raced back to the house to put on our traditional clothing one more time for the cultural ceremony. There were some really cute performances from the kids in the neighborhood which we all enjoyed. We ended the program by singing "This land is your land," and dancing to "Cotton Eye Joe." The whole week, we had been learning a traditional Indian dance, that we successfully performed tonight.
Dinner was pretty simple, with french fries being the highlight. Right now, we are having a group meeting, and then will go to bed.
Tootles,
-Us (and Tal)
Oh my gosh, what amazing things you are experiencing! Rickshaw rides seem commonplace, an Indian/Hindu wedding, ice cream --that's not really ice cream, those hot but gorgeous saris..... And of course the interactions and relationships you have made with the students. Wow! Thank you for sharing all of this! Enjoy your last few days.
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