Last week we enjoyed a shaadi in the family. It was a magnificent production over four days, amidst the beautiful rolling hills of upstate South Carolina. And yes, it was a respite from the Fall here, to greenery, well manicured, lush lawns and Southern hospitality.
And what a great occasion for a family reunion! For four days we reveled in family panchadika (chit-chat), gorged on a wide variety of indian dishes (no dish was repeated over four days!) and the reception had a teeth chattering, gut expanding array of 28 desserts!
Of course, on returning to gray skies and cafeteria goop we are clinically depressed. I want my masala dosa and south indian kaapi for breakfast!
So, here are a few pics.
During one of the pre-wedding services, the women in the house are getting ready to bless the bride. The priests says: ashta putra sowbhagyavati bhava and translates it: May you be a blessed mother of eight children. My cousin sister lets out a hearty laugh!
During the actual blessing!
During the Raas garba on the night before the wedding, the couple are treated to dance performances. Then everyone joins in and the dancing went on till the early hours of the morning.
During the wedding services, the couple search for a ring in a pot of colored water! Apparently whoever finds the ring, dominates the relationship. Well, the priest had put two rings and each found one! 
At the end of the service, after satisfying everyone with photographs, the bride steps out of the mantap.
wow…what an elaborate wedding…that too in US…….Great…….All those festivities,gana bhajana……look awesome….the bride and the bridegroom look made for each other…No wonder u had an excellent time Arun…..28 desserts …OMG !!!!!
Sirisha: it was a fabulous gathering and impeccable organization! One for the books! Had a great time – no wonder we are all depressed now!
)
and they certainly make an awesome couple!
and I need to go on a diet!
Aw it looks like you had a good time!
Saroj: thanks!
)
when you get married – invite us!
I am currently looking for a wedding to crash!
The bride looks super-happy! Love her pictures in blue and that of ladies in matching sarees. Nice.
Thank you Anupma – those were likely the happiest days of her life!
)
and yes, it was a colorful fest!
heh! just noticed your wedding pics on flickr. Yaay! Sorry, with the travelling, did not get a chance to browse earlier!
Shaadis are *so* colourful
Makes me want to attend a shaadi as well.
Oh Yes, Joy!
)
What a festive environment! made all the more joyous by wonderful family and great food!
Now, I too am looking for more shaadis to attend
oh you readers – please do invite me
Arun, you guys are in SC? Great!!:))
Wonderful photos!! I got married almost 21yrs ago, nothing has changed much it seems. I got blessed for 100 sons instead 8!!;D
Read here what I said about that and what I said and what they told me when I was smiling little too much!;D
http://foodieshope.blogspot.com/2006/12/our-20th.html
Bride and Bridegroom look happy and fabulous wedding finery. Haven’t been to a wedding in a long time, great to see these photos. Enjoy!:))
Haha! Not sure when that’s gonna happen, but I’ll certainly let you know. Probably sometime in the not too terribly distant future, I hope. :p
Asha:
we are in Boston, but the wedding was in SC at my uncle’s place
And thank you for sharing the beautiful anniversary write-up. Enjoyed your wedding pics too! you certainly look very regal, then as well as now.
Congratulations and
thanks!
Heh Saroj!
Wishing it happens sooner and … remember to have a big bash! … and invite me!
book is in the mail.
oh wow!!! so u guys had gr8 time? (i know what a dumb thing to ask after looking at those gr9 shots)
he he he… i know i am evil 
check the latest post (scroll down till the end)
well, masala dosa is what we had last night for dinner
oh before i forget, there is something stored for u in my blog
Sia
Thank you so very much for the ‘Thinking Award.’ it was very thoughtful of you and I am honored that you find my postings worthy of mention. I am humbled.
haaii; I have been depressed since coming back – and don’t even mention the masala dosa! I think M senses I am ‘down’ and has plans for onion/tomato uttapa for tomorrow! think, I will just fast tonight!
Oy, do you have an anniversary bash coming up? we want to be invited!
)
awwww this looks like it was such a great event!! the bride looks so happy …touch wood….28 desserts…err do u remember what items…i wud love to know…. but thats weddings are for….. total masti….. thanks so much for sharing the pics arun….
Hi Rachna:
)
i love weddings – so much food and else. for the desserts, i have no idea of many of the names, ofcourse, different types of cakes, kulfi, icecreams, kaju katli, gulab jamun, gajar ka halwa, and the list goes on and on … believe it or not – I did not try many of the desserts.
really
the pleasure is mine
glad u accepted it.
cant belive its already 2 yrs and the amazing thing is we both are stuck with one another for this long 
) he he he…
onion uttappa???? ok, i got to make this for weekend now that u have tempted me enough
and yeah, we have got our 2nd wedding anniversary coming up in next week
Sia:
Congratulations on your Anniversary. This is a special week then for you. You husband is lucky to have someone as energetic and dedicated as you. Wishing you both decades of happiness!
and enjoy the onion uttappams
Can’t wait to see your spread for the anniversary!
SUch a wonderful post. The bride looks so happy, and so beautiful too. It looks an amazing time. I love dosa and uttapam too.
VegeYum – thanks for your comment
and for introducing me to you blog. Loved your post(s) on teas!
Yes, the wedding was a fabulous time – food for the soul!
thanks
Nice pictures! Our weddings are always fun!:) Though our wedding is for two days we do have family functions before and after the wedding! All close relatives have to be there for a week!
In our custom the couple are blessed to have 16 kids!:D
HAPPY DIWALI TO M and U !!
Latha – exactly all of us were there for about four days and many relative had come from india for a month!
Ha ha! 16 kids! I guess they really wanted BIG families!
anyway – I want more wedding invitations!
)
Wishing you and your family a Happy Diwali!
Thank you Arun. Happy Diwali!
Hi Arun,
Nice meeting you and M at the wedding. Great pics! and yes, been on the treadmill quite a bit, trying to burn the calories from the dessert lounge
P
Hi Prema:
Wonderful meeting you at the wedding! M was thrilled too!
Yeah! I have beeing very militant about running!
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Hi Arun,
Went through your website and reminsced the konkani amchigele nostalgia. I am a newbee for blogging. I invite you to view my food blog on http://www.konkanifoodie.blogspot.com.
Let me know your feedback and inputs.
Thanks,
Ashwini.
Ahswini – thanks for your comment and appreciate your introduction.
Yes, I enjoyed your Food Blog! Keep up the great work.
Arun
Hi Arun,
I came across your blog during some research for my wedding. Congratulations and I have to say you look really pretty. I have a question if you dont mind sharing details. I would love to know where you picked your wedding saree from. Its the exact color combination I have had in mind for years. would be great if you could share that with me.
Wish you a very happy new year.
Pooja
Hi Pooja:
Sorry, that is my cousin sister who is getting married. I will forward your email to her.
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding