Chinni's Wedding!

"Betni" with Chinni, the beautiful bride.

My friend Renuka Dinakaran of Bangalore saw her lovely eldest daughter, Chinni, married this weekend, and I was thrilled to participate in many of the activities.

Friday night we had the traditional menehdy (sounds like "mandi") painted on our hands...the bride had her feet decorated, too. Made from a crushed, dried plant mixed with water (like henna, I think) the artist squirts the paste through a tube, making a fine line design, different for every pair of hands. Freestyle drawing, with traditional patterns. Yes, I had my hands done, too...and the menehdy really shows up on white skin!

Chinni's hand and foot, with the gorgeous mehendy design.

Saturday night was the bangle ceremony, when the uncle of the bride places lots of bracelets on the bride and a few on the groom, then wraps their arms in cloth, which they have to sleep with all night (to not see the bangles.)

Sunday morning we enjoyed a marvelous, meaningful marriage ceremony at Le Meridian Hotel. Conducted by an amazing 76 year old woman, known as a pandit, the event included a live fire, flower petal tossing and the participation of many family members.

Also spelled as pundit, a pandit is officially defined as, "a man in India esteemed for his wisdom or learning: often used as a title of respect." So, this female pandit is even more extraordinary, as she is ahead of a change in the actual accepted definition...a woman!
Read this article about the Pandit S.W. Sharma, who officiated, here.

She was inspiring, speaking straight from the heart about the sacred union, and how to assure it will thrive and flourish.I wish Chinni (real name Archana) and her groom, Ashish, a long and healthy life together, full of love and fun. And I thank their families for including me in the beautiful festivities.