A Journey of Love and Tradition: My Indian Wedding Experience

はじめに

こんにちは。株式会社GA technologiesのAdvanced Innovation Strategy Center（AISC）の宋です。この記事は、AISCのサフさんがインドに1ヶ月帰国し、伝統的なインドの結婚式を挙げた体験談の英語原文です。

サフさん：

Weddings in India are more than just an event; they are a grand celebration of love, tradition, and family. My own wedding was no exception. Spanning over a month, it was a blend of age-old customs, deep-rooted values, and modern-day practices, all wrapped into one. As someone who has lived and worked abroad, this experience was not only a personal milestone but also a cultural reconnection. This blog is an attempt to take you through the journey, highlighting the various stages of the wedding, with space for photographs that captured each precious moment.

Prelude: The Pre-Wedding Preparations
The month-long celebration began with an avalanche of preparations. From selecting the perfect attire to coordinating with relatives scattered across the country, every detail required meticulous planning. For a groom, the responsibility might seem lighter compared to the bride, but trust me, the involvement is just as intense.

I distinctly remember the first major ritual—Roka. This is essentially the engagement ceremony, marking the formal announcement of the upcoming wedding. My parents, dressed in traditional attire, visited the bride's house, where both families exchanged gifts and sweets. Though I should have joined physically but due to less holidays, I joined virtually. This ceremony set the tone for the days to come, filled with rituals that connect us to our roots.

Haldi and Mehendi: The Colors of Joy
As the days rolled on, the excitement escalated. The Mehendi ceremony, where intricate henna designs adorned my hands. While traditionally this is more elaborate for brides, as a groom, I opted for simpler designs that held personal significance, such as the initials of my wife-to-be. The ceremony was a blend of fun and artistic expression, allowing me to connect more deeply with the cultural aspects of the wedding.

Then came the Haldi ceremony, an event full of laughter and love. My relatives took turns applying a turmeric paste on me, a tradition believed to bless the groom and ward off evil spirits. The atmosphere was lively, with songs and laughter resonating throughout the house. It was a moment where I felt the warmth of family and the strength of our cultural traditions.

Sangeet: Celebrating with Dance
The Sangeet followed, an evening dedicated to music and dance. Family members performed choreographed dances, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation. This event truly showcased the unity and happiness that weddings bring to families.

Ring Ceremony: Personal Promise
A day before the wedding, we had an intimate ring ceremony with just close friends and family. As we exchanged rings, it felt like the first real step in our commitment to each other. The evening was filled with laughter, love and heartfelt blessings from those dearest to us. It was a beautiful, personal moment - a quiet promise to one another for the deeper bond we are about to share.

Baraat and Jaimala: The Big Day
The wedding day itself was a whirlwind of emotions and rituals. The Baraat, or the groom's procession, was a grand affair. Riding on a decorated horse, I led the procession of family and friends dancing to the beats of the dhol (drum). The energy was infectious, and as we approached the venue, I could feel the significance of the moment—this was the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
Upon reaching the venue, the Jaimala ceremony took place, where the bride and I exchanged garlands. This ritual symbolizes the acceptance of one another as life partners. Standing under the mandap (a decorated canopy), surrounded by family and friends, I realized how every single ritual was a thread weaving together the fabric of our shared life.

The Vows: Seven Steps Towards Eternity
The heart of the wedding ceremony is the Saptapadi—the seven vows. We took seven sacred steps around the holy fire, each step symbolizing a promise we made to each other. These vows are not just words; they are commitments that will guide us through the journey of marriage. It was a solemn moment, filled with deep meaning and spirituality, as we pledged to stand by each other in times of joy and sorrow.

The Final Ritual: Vidaai
The most emotional part of the wedding was the Vidaai, where the bride bids farewell to her family to start a new life with her husband. Though traditionally centered on the bride, as a groom, it was an equally poignant moment for me. It symbolized the transition from being a son to becoming a husband, a role that comes with its own set of responsibilities and joys.

Post-Wedding Traditions: Griha Pravesh and Reception
After the wedding, the bride was welcomed into her new home with a Griha Pravesh ceremony. This was followed by a grand reception, where friends, family, and colleagues gathered to celebrate the union. The reception was a mix of tradition and modernity, with speeches, toasts, and a lot of dancing.

Family Visits: A Tapestry of Stories, Joy, and Generosity
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the after wedding festivities was visiting each other's relatives. These visits were not just about formalities; they were about reconnecting with loved ones, sharing stories, and creating new memories. Every visit began with warm welcomes, followed by a feast of traditional home-cooked meals (and lots of gossip) that brought everyone together.
Laughter filled the rooms as stories from the past were shared, and relatives offered advice and blessings for the future. These gatherings were also a time for exchanging gifts—a beautiful tradition that symbolizes love and good wishes. Each gift, whether simple or elaborate, carried deep meaning and was a reminder of the bonds that weddings help to strengthen.

Reflection: A Journey That Continues
As I returned to Japan after this incredible journey, I carried with me not just the memories of a grand wedding, but also the values and traditions that define who I am. This experience has been a reminder of the richness of our culture and the importance of family and rituals in grounding us, even as we navigate the complexities of modern life.

For my colleagues and friends who were curious about the extended break I took, I hope this gives you a glimpse into the beautiful chaos that is an Indian wedding. It is more than just a ceremony—it is a celebration of life, love, and the bonds that keep us rooted. This wedding wasn't just about two people coming together; it was about bringing two families, two sets of values, and countless memories into one shared journey.