Kolkata - Gaye Holud and Wedding Ceremony

Today we started the wedding day with the Gaye Holud ceremony. Traditionally turmeric paste is rubbed all over the couple getting married. Turmeric is supposed to be healthy and also used as a makeup. Since this was not a super traditional wedding, the turmeric paste was minimal and instead of showering them with dried turmeric, we threw yellow flower petals at them.

I got to take a nap before the wedding, while Molly, her sisters, and mok were getting makeup and hair done. Rik asked if the guys wanted to get touched up as well. I was a bit sceptical that I needed makeup, but I went anyway and got a head massage and a trim.

The ceremony involved throwing incense on a small fire indoors, several different blessings, which were fortunately translated into English. People didn’t just take a seat, they were all over the place. Some went up to the front to take pictures, others to the back to get appetizers, others talked the whole time. I spent the whole time trying to keep Cal occupied. At the end of the ceremony we all the flower petals in them again.

I don’t blame people for getting appetizers because they were delicious. There was grilled chicken, paneer balls, and breaded mini corn.

The main course was huge as always. I really liked the mutton, which I guess in India and the Caribbean means goat, but everywhere else in the world is sheep.

We took a ton of pictures, but there wasn’t any dancing or speeches. Just dinner and desserts. I don’t think the bride and groom got to eat until almost all the guests had left.