Meals on Leaves

On 12/18/2011 Rahul and I had a wedding reception. It was a bit odd to have this party without my own family to cheer me on. 

I was draped in a full Sari by both sisters; Rahul's sister, Rakhi and his sister in law Swathi. We even did a practice run in Sari the night before (with the assistance of an assertive neighbor) so I could learn how to walk wrapped in the long cloth. 

Sari's are very long and they cover your toes. I wanted to pick up the cloth, prance around and curtsy however, I was told not to pick it up. (On the practice run I picked it up a few times anyway to tease my new Sister in law). However, at "show time" I was well behaved. One of my good friends told me I could lightly kick the bottom so I did not fall down.  (Thank you Kamma)

The Indian wedding reception begins as the couple is greeted and well wished by many family, neighbors, co-workers, friends and friends of friends. Then after photos, a lot smiling, and more photos take place, a wonderful feast is eaten on a large banana leaf.

This feast is called Sadhya and it is specific to the Kerala region of Inida. Sadhya consists of many wonderful curries each created to please a certain taste for your palate: sour, sweet, pungent, astringent ect.  There was a curry made with pineapple and coconut, there was one with vegetables and butter and jaggery (a kind of sugar) one that was spicy and pickled with mango and mustard seeds and others lovely savory dishes all surrounding a heap of rice. 

I sat and ate with a charming man who was a librarian for a collage and a woman who was a gynecologist. The conversations was as rich as the foods. We talked about food and Indian culture. 

In India, I always was asked two questions: 

How do you like our country? And 

How do you like the food?  

Marriage ceremonies like the one we had bring together neighbors and family. Most of the time this feast consists of hundreds of people. (Ours was much less due to my family being more potato than curry. :) )

Marriage receptions help to strengthen communities by getting everyone out to share a feast of fine foods, food is a very important part of Indian community.   

After the feast we sat out side and talked and laughed. I chatted with family and Amas' friends who are history professors.

My favorite part of the whole day was when Rahul's father sat next to me leaned in and said, "You are a nice lady." with and affirming kindness, I was glad to receive.

Dressing Myself, or Not.

As I lounge about today I am in a t-shirt and some blue jeans. I did put on my make up and blow dry my hair. Make-up is a learned skill, as is styling short hair. However, most of my clothes I have been able to put on since I was about three (especially my favorite jeans and t-shirt)

Occasionally, I will wear a dress that needs zipped up in the back. I do know how to use a hanger and pull the zipper up myself if I have to.

The sari is a way different story. Wikipedia has a nice article on the subject of this unique and beautiful dress. “The word sari is derived from Sanskrit which means 'strip of cloth.” The cloth of a sari is enough to make at least four new curtains for long old fashion windows. There is also a version of the sari, which is called a half sari, which is two pieces of shorter cloth.

Iloveindia.com states that some saris and built on a loom for three weeks at a time by several artisans and many are made from fine silks. Both of the saris I was dressed in India were lovely examples of the fine art of cloth. 

So After my divine lunch at Auntie and Uncles house and a wild wrestling with a shower bucket my new Sister in Law dressed me in a half Sari.  My first sari was a half sari so I could manage the amount of cloth. It was lined in gold and thin and white. 

 To be continued....