My cousin’s wedding

By Anvi Shetty

The family event I loved attending this year was my cousin’s wedding ceremony. It was during my summer vacation when I had gone to Karnataka to attend the wedding occasion. It was a very memorable event, and I enjoyed it a lot with my cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Before the actual ceremony, the engagement had already taken place in February. On the first day, we went to the bride’s house to attend the Satyanarayan pooja, where we listened to the katha and took many pictures. After that, we had our lunch, and meanwhile, my cousins and I were having fun on the second floor of the house.

The Mehendi ceremony was a riot of colors, with beautiful henna designs adorning the hands of the bride and female relatives. Laughter, music, and the aroma of traditional sweets filled the air, creating an atmosphere of excitement.

The Sangeet night showcased the talents of our family members. From soulful renditions to energetic dance performances, the evening was a testament to the joyous spirit that weddings bring. The spreading enthusiasm of family members and friends turned the Sangeet into a night of celebration.

On the next day, we had the Haldi ceremony. All the family members had to dress in a yellow theme. When all the members appeared in yellow kurtas, sarees, etc., it appeared as if the whole environment was cherished with its yellowness. The bride arrived in a beautiful white saree and was made to sit in a lotus-shaped metallic place. One by one, we had to apply turmeric paste on the face, hands, and legs.

The next was the actual wedding day that unfolded in a beautifully decorated mantapa. The bride was draped in a beautiful Kanjeevaram silk saree, and the groom, in traditional attire. The exchange of garlands between the couple symbolised their acceptance of each other, and the tying of the Thali, a sacred thread, marked the formalisation of their union.

The tearful yet joyful eyes of the bride’s parents during the Kanyadaan, and the emotional speeches delivered by family members, all showcased the depth of love and connection within our family.

My favorite family wedding function of the year was not just an event; it was a mixture of love, tradition, and shared joy. From the beautiful venue to the heartfelt ceremonies, every element contributed to a celebration that will be etched in our family’s collective memory.