The Red Petals

These  red rose petals have  revived  old memories

                                                                 

The year was 1989.The year in which our darling daughter was to get married. The  preparations had started many days before . There were  many ceremonies  Starting with the Engagement , Sangeet and Mehendi , all the ceremonies were  vivid, colourful and distinctive. The mehandi looked exquisite. The whole atmosphere was surcharged with gaiety. There was merriment, jollity, cheerfulness and liveliness  all around. Her friends were singing, dancing and merry making.  There were several guests in the house, many of whom had come from out stations. The ceremonies started with applying turmeric   paste on the body of the bride to be. This paste is made with turmeric, sandalwood flakes , oil, scents and rose water. Every one applied this paste on her . After this the bride-to -be had to take   bath. The water for the bath was brought in a pitcher by the sis-in law of the bride. My DIL, accompanied by young girls,  brought water in a mud pitcher from a neighbour's house. This ceremony is called Gharoli.  The girl  then took bath. After the ceremonial bath  another ritual  was performed. This is  called Chura. Chura consists of seven or multiples of seven red and white ivory bangles. It is customary that these bangles are brought by the girl's maternal uncle. Before the  bride wears the chura it is circulated  among every body present there. They touch the chura and pray for the happy married life  of the couple. Along with the Chura the  bride's friends and young girls of the family tied Kaliras. Kaliras are made of gold,silver or silver lining  with ringlets hanging  on  the sides. They are tied to the bangle.  Lunch was served after the ceremonies. Now was the time to move. The actual marriage ceremony was scheduled to be held at a club. My husband, who is a stickler for  time started hurrying up. We had to reach the venue in time  to welcome the baraat. After great persuasion every one was dressed to leave. We left in ten cars, which were decked with roses. . Most of the guests had already reached  The whole place was tastefully decorated with red rose and petals.  Our Son-in -law ,is a perfectionist. The Baraat reached on the dot.  On the entrance there was another ceremony called "Milni". The close relatives of the boy and the girl were introduced.They weregiven a red carpet welcome.The boy and the girl were  led to the altar. It was tastefully illuminated and decorated with red roses.A priest was already present. He recited mantras  from holy scriptures . The groom and the bride took  seven rounds of the holy fire.(Pheras). After the Pheras Kanyadaan ceremony was performed The priest explained the significance of all the rituals.  On the conclusion of the marriage, dinner was served. It was time for the departure(bidai) of the baraat with the bride. This is an emotional, solemn and  sober occasion., when the girl leaves her parental  home.  From the Pandaal up to the  car, the passage was  decorated with red roses  All the relatives were given red petals. As the the bride and groom moved towards the car, they were showered with red petals.

My daughter is a very lovable and emotional child. Till today she has safely preserved the red petals.           

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