Ladoo Love

On Thursday, Bartley and I were the gracious attendee's of our new friend Latika's wedding party. Ok, so it wasn't her wedding, it was a party before the wedding. But not an engagement party. Something else, celebrating her upcoming marriage to Manish. Whatever the name, this was a gathering of family and friends at Latika's parents home for a day (they said they started around 2pm and it as still going on when we got out around 9:30). Like any good party, there was plenty of music (live!), food and high spirits. And like any good Indian party, lavish ornamentation, and unprecedented hospitality.

We were a bit concerned since we know only Latika (her groom Manish having already gone to Lucknow to be with his family before the wedding) and were unfamiliar with the customs, but her family was incredibly sweet and made sure we were involved. Many people were excited to talk to the foreigners-- some of them spoke perfect English, plus one sweet old lady who kept attempting to speak with me in Hindi and was unthwarted by my "Hindi, nayahai!", so I smiled politely and tried to drag Bart in to translate when he was near.

Latika had a killer ensemble --neon green and blue dress and veil with sequins-- and traditional bridal mendhi (in matching green and blue!!), bindi, and extravagant jewelry, complete with a huge nose ring that she had to remove in order to eat.

She was made to sit at the front of the room while many women brought her saris, jewelry, garlands and sweets, which they fed to her. Her lap and arms were completely full before too long, but by tradition she had to hold all of it until the end. She confided later that one of her aunts, who is very traditional, saw to it that she didn't put anything aside. Latika's sister and nieces danced, and to my horror, coaxed me to join them. No photographic evidence survives (whew).

They fed us until we could take no more, and then insisted we take home two parcels of food to boot. Ladoo and pista rolls were our sweet souvenirs.