Lekha's niece, Lavanya, was getting married at the small, yet lively hamlet of Rajapalayam in Tamilnadu. To attend the function, we'd set off at around a half past 6 from Kochi, in my Chevy, to Lekha's house at Kottarakkara. And from there, the 162 km journey, eastward was performed in a hired Xylo. Mani, our saarthi, was an expert who got us there by a half past 3. The connected ceremonies started in right earnest and I shan't labour on the them but generally highlight certain snippets that were soaked in during our short, hectic and beautiful stay. And so here, I go:-
(a) The road 'dwellers'.
The people of the hamlet have this peculiar habit of walking on the crowded roads with a gay
abandon. There was a humorous incident when a couple stepped into our way, for no rhyme or reason,
seemed to remember something all of a sudden and pulled back to the kerb before walking away,
completely oblivious of the chaos they'd bestowed on the traffic! The cyclists and the other two
wheelers make driving a horrifying experience - could only empathise with Mani at his sorry plight!
Driving on Rajapalayam's roads needs a reservoir of patience on the part of the driver!
(b) Shyam.
Lavanya's kid brother, Shyam, all of 14 years is mentally challenged and a very handsome and
friendly boy. But he can get moody if he finds that he does not get enough attention and during those
episodes, he goes about hurting himself by banging his head on the wall. I was witness to such an
incident because his sister was locked up in a room for the beauticians to do the needful.
And much later, I happened to sit on the garden swing taking in the rendition by the team of the all
female 'sringara melam', who'd been invited to perform on the occasion and brought in for the purpose
from Konni, in Kerala. Shyam passed by, a couple of times, and I'd noticed during his last pass that
he was very, very agitated - on enquiry I was told that he was irritated because I was occupying his
favourite spot. I really felt sheepish and moved off hastily to let him enjoy the swing.
(c) The 'nischaya tamboolam'.
The 'engagement ceremony' is known by this name. A spacious and well lit auditorium that was
tastefully decorated with flowers - zinnias and marigolds - gave an orange-red hue to the entire
environment. It started at 7, in the evening, to go on to midnight with the traditional orchestra in
attendance. The ladies in their blue sarees - they'd decided on this aspect earlier - presented a
soothing contrast. Mantras were chanted at the sacred fire with the girl and the boy, alongwith
their parents doing things, on the priest's diktats.
The thing that shall always remain etched in my mind - of the evening - was the manner in which
garlands were exchanged between every relation in the family.
Tailpiece.
We broke off by midnight to the hotel where we're put up, with strict orders that we should be present by 6, in the morning, to be in time for the wedding!
(a) The road 'dwellers'.
The people of the hamlet have this peculiar habit of walking on the crowded roads with a gay
abandon. There was a humorous incident when a couple stepped into our way, for no rhyme or reason,
seemed to remember something all of a sudden and pulled back to the kerb before walking away,
completely oblivious of the chaos they'd bestowed on the traffic! The cyclists and the other two
wheelers make driving a horrifying experience - could only empathise with Mani at his sorry plight!
Driving on Rajapalayam's roads needs a reservoir of patience on the part of the driver!
(b) Shyam.
Lavanya's kid brother, Shyam, all of 14 years is mentally challenged and a very handsome and
friendly boy. But he can get moody if he finds that he does not get enough attention and during those
episodes, he goes about hurting himself by banging his head on the wall. I was witness to such an
incident because his sister was locked up in a room for the beauticians to do the needful.
And much later, I happened to sit on the garden swing taking in the rendition by the team of the all
female 'sringara melam', who'd been invited to perform on the occasion and brought in for the purpose
from Konni, in Kerala. Shyam passed by, a couple of times, and I'd noticed during his last pass that
he was very, very agitated - on enquiry I was told that he was irritated because I was occupying his
favourite spot. I really felt sheepish and moved off hastily to let him enjoy the swing.
(c) The 'nischaya tamboolam'.
The 'engagement ceremony' is known by this name. A spacious and well lit auditorium that was
tastefully decorated with flowers - zinnias and marigolds - gave an orange-red hue to the entire
environment. It started at 7, in the evening, to go on to midnight with the traditional orchestra in
attendance. The ladies in their blue sarees - they'd decided on this aspect earlier - presented a
soothing contrast. Mantras were chanted at the sacred fire with the girl and the boy, alongwith
their parents doing things, on the priest's diktats.
The thing that shall always remain etched in my mind - of the evening - was the manner in which
garlands were exchanged between every relation in the family.
Tailpiece.
We broke off by midnight to the hotel where we're put up, with strict orders that we should be present by 6, in the morning, to be in time for the wedding!
No comments:
Post a Comment