Kolkata Part 2-Alessandro and Simran's wedding

This is the second in the series on the wedding in Kolkata

The Sikh temple is a modest building with four minarets and a stucco façade. We can enter only after washing our hands and removing our shoes. We climb two flights of stairs to find a large hall carpeted in a sea of red commercial carpeting. Square marble clad columns support the broad expanse of the ceiling punctuated here and there by elaborate crystal chandeliers. An ornate altar clad in pink flowing cloth is capped by a gold dome.

The elder priest blessing the gathering

We hear the sounds of three saffron turbaned musicians. One plays the tabla and two others sing and play harmoniums. An ancient bearded Sikh priest waves a feathered sceptre as the crowd files in. The groom is already seated facing the altar dressed in a traditional long Punjabi coat and a deep red turban accented with gold thread. The men and women are seated separately on the floor at either side of the altar. The bride enters dressed in an ornately decorated sari and sits by the groom on the floor.

The bride and groom

As everyone settles in, a younger priest stands in front of the altar and asks the elder priest for permission to perform the marriage. The elder gives his assent and steps off the alter. The younger priest takes his place on the altar and starts to conduct the ceremony. As he speaks the groom and bride perform a series of bows to the altar and then they circle the altar four times. This signifies the different phases in their marriage and instructs them how to conduct themselves within the marriage. It is somewhat like our promise to love, honor and obey. There is more music by the turbaned trio. The priest conducts some sort of invocation while everyone stands with clasped hands.

The musicians

After a few more blessings and bows, the priest thanks the older priest for allowing the marriage to occur. The older priest then circulates through the temple providing each participant and guest with a golf ball sized lump of ghee to eat. The fathers of the bride and groom sign the book of the temple and everyone congratulates everyone all around.

Desperately sikhing India

Stay tuned for the receptions or Sikhs know how to party.