Delhi Day 4: The Ring Ceremony & Sangeet

Our beautiful sister, Michelle, the bride!

We spent the afternoon at an Indian beauty salon. Needless to say, we were a little weary of having our hair and makeup done here. Overall, they did a good job and we only had to make a few minor tweaks. Michelle looked beautiful – like a true Indian princess! The majority of gals (and guys too, for that matter) reading this blog can probably relate to what we’re about to say. Can you imagine not having a drink (or two) while getting ready for the wedding? We’ve quickly learned that alcohol is just not really part of the culture here. Instead, you are always offered coffee, tea, or water. We're just saying – 5 hours at a beauty salon with a bridal party and zero mimosas is a long time…#sorryimnotsari.

We headed straight from the salon to the ring ceremony and Sangeet (the dancing component, a very important function of all northern India weddings). The usual family driver was unable to take us, so a different driver was hired instead. We were already running late (even by Delhi standards) and it was at the peak of rush hour traffic, so the driver took the back roads. It was honestly one of the scariest experiences of our lives. We’ve gotten used to the crazy Delhi driving (as much as can be expected) but this was a whole new level of crazy. It was dark, we were on extremely narrow dirt roads, and basically playing chicken with every car on the road. At one point, we rounded a corner and had to slam on the breaks because seven cows were just hanging out in the road. Emily had her head in a plastic bag the majority of the ride, and our mother spontaneously combusted into tears when we came this close to clipping a motorcycle. At first we thought she was hysterically laughing at something, but then we realized it was tears. Jen laughs at inappropriate times, so instead of comforting Mom, she was nearly crying with laughter. Really, Jen was equally scared for her life. #baddaughters

We later learned that the driver was scared he would be in trouble for getting us there late. Instead, he got in trouble for taking us on the backroads! Suki (our Mom) made sure all the right people knew about the “car ride from hell!” and we were assured a safe ride home from Pummi, our favorite and seemingly the safest driver in the family.

When we arrived at the venue for the ring ceremony and Sangeet, we were ushered into a room where we waited for the groom and his brothers and sisters (who are really cousins) to fetch us. Once they did, we exited and it was like we were famous! There was a red carpet with lights and photographers EVERYWHERE. Once we walked the red carpet and did a lot of posing, we arrived at the main event. Michelle and Abhishake sat down and quickly exchanged rings while everyone gathered around. They cut the cake and then it was off to the dance floor for the Sangeet. Dance is an important part of the culture here. Abhi’s four sisters (again, cousins) performed a routine for him, as did a few of the small children (too cute!). We must say, the men have some very impressive dance moves. We witnessed a few dance-offs, and Abhi’s brother, Chinu, even split his suit pants from dancing so hard. After paying a worker for the jeans he was wearing, Chinu continue dancing the night away. Chinu is very handsome and even had a modeling career here in India.

There were close to 200 attendees at the ring ceremony and Sangeet, so it’s hard to imagine what the actual wedding will be like. The Carman family + Colby were the only Caucasians at the event. It’s an interesting feeling, kind of like being on display. Everyone wanted to have their picture made with us. Even the professional photographers were following us around constantly snapping photos. Wonder where all of these pictures will end up? Speaking of pictures, Jen was told “Jennifer, you really needn’t smile so big.” We’ve noticed that the people here rarely show their teeth in photos. But to that we just say, CHEESE!

First wedding event down, a few more to go! Thanks for following our travels – we hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!