The ceremony was pretty special, very different and very difficult to get photos.
There were so many in one temple that you had to jostle amongst each other to secure a shot.
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Beautiful painted feet, to present to the women and using soapy water
on banana leaves the toe rings (instead of a wedding ring) are placed on allfour toes..... |
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| WOW! |
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| Nisha, a beautiful bride |
The long Necklace with the ornament on the end of it (left) is called
the Mangal Sutra (meaning Auspicious Bond)
The designs varies from family to family.
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| Nisha's feet are finished.... |
Both Josie and I marvelled at how uncomfortable it must be for Nisha to have to wear rings on all four toes....
Nisha and Mahesh had yet to circle the temple NINE times.
I believe it is signifigant, with reference to the nine planets.....
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| Aunt Josie looked BEAUTIFUL |
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My Handsome son...hmm
but he was told - "You are being looked
at, are you a sissy?"
He had the wrap hanging like a woman
and NOT a man...changed it quickly!
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| Tying the knot is literal in this ceremony... |
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| Now it is the Grooms turn.... |
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| Hmm, this look made a little nervous.... Nisha, is that a smile or a polite snarl? |
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| Here the Groom and Bride exchange the garland, which
symbolises their unification, as one soul in two bodies.
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I like this photo of Mahesh's older brother... |
| There is much activity as the ceremony continues.. |
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| Both Nisha's parents with Nisha in this photo Her mother looks so young and her father deep in thought.... |
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| Exchanging of the Garland continues.... |
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Rice has been thrown over the happy couple  |
The showering of Akshadai:
Grains coloured with turneric and saffron are showered on the couple by elders and invitees as benediction.
This is my favourite photo of the ceremony.
Here Mahesh appears to be glazing lovingly into
Nisha's eyes.......
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| Josie with new friends at the ceremony |
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| All the young men Note: Darrien is wearing his sash in the correct "manly" fashion! |
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| Support and love during the ceremonial nine times around the temple altar |
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| Mahesh glances over to Nisha with concern It's been a very long week for the Bride |
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| Clever mummy did this henna design |
