The second visit to Houston involved just Tom and me. We were invited to attend the wedding of one of Tom's former colleagues' son. The special part of the invitation was that it was to be a traditional Hindu ceremony, something neither of us had ever enjoyed. So I worked out how to be gone on a Friday-school-day, coordinating transportation for both girls. Maggie was a bit easier given that I don't normally drive on Fridays. Abby got to go home with one friend on Thursday and spend the night there (THANKS to Lisa and George!) and then hitch a ride with them to school Friday. After school Friday she went home with another friend (THANKS to Tihana and Alan!) where we picked her up after our return. Tom and I got on a 630am flight to Houston, after my calling home to make sure Maggie's alarm had woken her up (which it's only failed 2x this year). We had a painless flight to Houston, got the rental car and drove down to the temple in Pearland. They were serving breakfast and we located our friends as well. We were given a detailed program for the events that would ensue which really helped us understand what all was going on as it's quite different from the American ceremony. Additionally, 2 of my friends provided me with some information on what to expect as well (THANKS to Denise and Jigi!). So we knew before-hand that it would be much longer than what we're accustomed to and that it's expected that people talk quietly amongst themselves during the service. The lady seated next to me also helped, as well as the grooms' parents. Although both of the newlyweds' families are from southern India, they are from 2 different states within the country, both of which have different customs. The families consulted with priests to figure out the best way to incorporate both traditions into the ceremony. In addition, to me it looked like there was a bit of "our" traditions included, such as that of exchanging rings. Tom and I participated at the beginning where the groom's family and friends follow him around as he makes his way to his new family. Then we sat and watched the various parts of the early ceremony. For a while at the beginning the couple sat together on a swing while 2 women pushed them and a group of women sang and other women performed various rituals. After the couple climbed onto the stage other various rituals were conducted in Sanskrit -- we could recognize the names of the couple as well as their family members. At one point, the groom gifts the bride with a red sari, which she leaves to change into. At this point, a friend of the groom's mother grabbed me from the audience. She'd wanted me to wear a sari for the ceremony, but time had gotten away at the beginning and this was an opportunity to change. So, like the bride (to what I'm sure was a MUCH lesser degree!) I was assisted into a sari which, most generously, my friend gifted me. Meanwhile, a group of instrumentalists (playing drums and reed instruments that resembled large oboes but sounded more like saxophones) were playing in the main hall. I rejoined Tom and people were walking all around, visiting one another as well as the groom and his family on-stage. The grooms father came and visited and commented on the chaos. Tom and I simply found it fascinating, though I was glad to have been prepared! Finally, the bride returned -- it was precisely timed by astrologists so as to be the "perfect" time. Bells rang out as the ceremony progressed and more rituals were performed. Completely fascinating! When it was over, we progressed into another room for lunch. We were invited to sit with friends of the groom's family which we appreciated. Lunch was a traditional south-Indian vegetarian spread which we really enjoyed. Unfortunately, after lunch Tom and I had to head back to the airport. There were to be two receptions, one Saturday night and one Sunday that we were unable to attend. They would include the musicians again as well as a woman brought from India who is an author and would be dancing as part of the entertainment. This woman as well as the musicians had been flown over from India for the wedding festivities. Tom and I were thrilled to have been included in the group and truly enjoyed it all. We returned our rental car and got to the airport where we were able to secure an earlier flight. I'd told Abby that I'd pick her up in the sari, so I wore it home. I managed to "beep" the security and "enjoyed" the pat-down (probably due to the safety pins keeping me in the outfit as that was the only additional metal on my body). An Indian gentleman complimented me on my sari at the coffee shop. And two ladies inquired as to my outfit as we got on the plane. Two other ladies commented as we headed to our car back in Houston. So we headed to get Abby and got home to be with Maggie as well. It was a LONG day, but definitely thoroughly enjoyable and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Thanks to all who helped us get there, especially Prahba and Bala for the invitation!
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