Our first Up Close Hindu Wedding

Madhu's cousin sister got married and we were invited to attend the wedding. We've seen other Hindu weddings on the street but this was a front row, up close occasion for us.
The wedding was held at a place called Millennial Gardens which is 5 minutes from where we live. It was inside a huge white tent and decorated very nice.

After the bride came in (to a marching band of trumpets, claranet, keyboard and drums) she was placed behind the groom who was sitting in this chair. She's sitting on the floor behind him. He wasn't allowed to see her until later in the ceremony. This picture is of her parents washing his feet. What can I say!!! And no Kelly, don't even go there because it will never happen!!

This was when he went back and sat on the floor in preperation to see his new bride. The curtain was held until the moment they were to see each other. They actually did meet 2 weeks ago and spent some brief time together. Madhu said they will probably date and get to know each other now they are married.

It's a little different than we do things, but again.....what can I say!!!

This is where he places the silver toe rings on her toes that signify she is a married woman.

All of the women wore the same bangles at this wedding. The aunts, sisters, mother, bride, cousin sisters and any woman who was famly. They were green and silver with a touch of pink.

Here they have a big bowl of rice between them and they take handfuls and pour on each others head. This is done after they he ties the knot. There is a string bracelet on her right arm that he ties with a knot indication of accepting the marriage. The guy with the white towel is the Hindu Priest.

I love all the hand strung flowers that are in her hair and drapped around their clothing. Such a beautiful touch.

I don't know what these little colored things were but they were round and colorful and were thrown after the rice. Their photographer took some of these pictures for Madhu. (Madhu had my camera)

We had a front row seat. We were the only white people there and from what Madhu tells us that was a big deal. This is Madhu, tinku and Chero's mother. She is a very good person and has raised 3 great boys!

You'll notice we don't have tags on. That's because of the missionary restrictions that are still hanging over Hyderabad. We hope thats all lifted by June 1st and we can wear our badges again. We miss wearing them.

Painted faces, bindi, flowers, & Forehead adornments.

Vani & Shaker Bodhu also came to the wedding. They're a cute little couple!!

The dowry.....The parents had to give him all of these things plus money and gold....
I should mention this marriage was arranged by a matchmaker.

The brothers 3.....

Tinku, Madhu and Chero...

(I've probably made some mistakes in the spelling so correct me Madhu and I'll change it.)

After they served everyone a nice lunch there was dancing. This I think is the father of the bride and he got things started.

We were watching....Then they announced that we were honored guests and they would like us to join the dance. Shaker said we must go. When Elder K started dancing one man stuffed 100 rupees in his mouth. He pulled it out and said "I didn't know I was getting paid to do this!" For those of you who know us well you know we love to dance....The beat of Indian Music is just a little different than ours and it was hard to understand. I suppose we need to practice understanding the beat.
This is a mission of many surprises.
For more pictures and info I will be putting all the pictures on facebook. This is just a highlight.