Marriage of Coral, Jammu daughter

Coral's family receiving us at their home

sangeet where friends and relatives sing

Sangeet

saant

after saant, coral is brought to the agnikunda

Agnikunda, mantras circulate the room 

Kalerins are tied on her bangles.

Nathini is put on her nose

A very important purpose of my visit to Jammu was to experience the marriage function of Coral. When I talked to her from Kerala. she was requesting me to attend her weddding. I have not so far attended a north Indian wedding. So, I thought it would be nice to attend her wedding. Arti ji, Sarita and I went together on the previous day of her wedding.First, I saw coral being taken outside of the house for a ritual called saant. Two persons stretched a piece of cloth and she was asked to sit underneath that. The maternal uncle held a vessel full of water, he stood infront of her, but not facing her and she sat behind him. Uncle slowly poured water which spread all over her body, after which she was brought for a traditional pooja which is called Saant. Maternal uncle and aunt along with Coral and her parents sat infront of the pooja place for Saant. It ended with the maternal aunty putting a very big ring on her left nostril and number of red bangles called chuda on her hands. Then her relatives tied very big kalida on both of  her hand.  It was very interesting to see her progressing to the bridal  form. Coral looked very different. She was exquisitly beautiful. After the function, all of us had lunch from her house. It was a very different experience. The next day, three of us and Reena Sood went to attend  the wedding. It was unbelieveably exquisite. A lot of food, number of people, very good location and enjoyable music- how can i describe all that i have seen and experienced. See the photos.