Those Big Fat Indian Weddings  !!

    India is a land known for its extravaganza and its cultural and political diversities. It's equally renowned for its "Big fat weddings" with splurges.

         As I was standing in the mid of the opulent hall, i could see some youngsters gyrating synchronously to the loud and peppy Bollywood tunes. Along with, on my left were some men in suits and 'Sherwanis' boisterously drawing certain premise of the political strategies, then. Contiguous to it, was a multi cuisine spread where all the womenfolk congregated bejewelled in their best, gossipping. Struggling to find a familiar face, I made an attempt to take a meticulous glance at the arriving bride, all decked up in embroidered 'lehenga' and coruscating jewellery, which was, a real feast to my eyes. Chased by the army of photographers and videographers and the entourage behind her, she made her way to the stage which was embellished with love seats. The rest of the evening was a concoction of gluttony, extravaganza and vanity. It was then that a thought cropped up in my mind - when did those elegant and poignant weddings, become a pretentious imposter ?

        This overtly describes the fact that our Indian weddings are turning out to be "fatter" and such nuptial ceremonies have a susceptibility to take the society to dizzy heights. There have been weddings which had the overindulgence of profusion and where the ostentatious display of jewellery and apparels have been the primary objective of the week long gatherings and the sacred union of two is but a detail.

This distressing vogue is really a symptom of a larger problem. It's not that i am an opposer of Consumerism. But, when such a process runs amok, then, it needs to be controlled.

      Let's take the example where parents used to smother the brides body with resplendence of auriferous articles and jewelry as a support during the times of economic and financial distress. But, today, the situation is completely contradictory and that is a matter of trepidation. The only thing that parents should assure their children is impeccable education and unwavering self confidence. 

        A few months ago, a fascinating write up caught my attention. It was about a couple who turned down their parents' plan of arranging a lavish wedding. Rather, they wanted to spend a substantiate amount, that was to be spent on their marriage, on helping the poor and the needy. They served one time meal for the starving, where, on the other side of the story, people involve to profligate food. This is the kind of wedding, i would have loved to attend.

     

        The fact that this one-time life event has to be celebrated to the core is incontrovertible. But, how to celebrate and to what extent are simply the questions left to bride groom and families. Let's remember, it's not a competition to exaggerate the status but a sacred union of two souls for a promise to stay together for a life time. Let's not diminish it's splendor and elegance.