A wedding with a difference
AMONG the wealthy and famous, 'destination weddings' are the flavour of the season. These events are commonly conducted at grand locations within India and abroad. Artistic designers create novel, exclusive backdrops. Conspicuous opulence drips at every stage of the elaborate ceremonies, which can span a period of a week and more. World renowned professionals work over months to prepare a unique, other-worldly stage. The guests include celebrities from the fields of business, film and sports and the who's who of high society and political power.
Reports of the recent wedding of a scion of a business family in India were prominently covered by the international media. The world gaped at the sight of a spanking airport established and approved for receiving large airliners from abroad. Customs and immigration facilities were set up to facilitate the entry of such dignitaries as former Heads of State and government from abroad, who travelled in their personal aircraft. The highest paid performers at the top of the show business entertained the galaxy of distinguished visitors. The media rose handsomely to bring the event live on screen; the common public could ogle from afar the exuberant display of riches.
Contrasting with star-studded extravaganzas in artificial dreamlands was a different wedding that I was privileged to attend last week. The destination was a charitable hospital at a nondescript village in a district of Himachal Pradesh. The natural beauty of the verdant little valley was eye-catching. The doctor in charge of the hospital, a brilliant public-spirited eye surgeon, fired by idealistic fervour, had resigned as professor of the government medical college in the state capital at the peak of his career. Over the last 25 years, he has worked for his spiritual mentor in setting up the hospital and supervised the delivery of medical services free of cost to the rural folk. He performs intricate eye surgeries regularly. The occasion was the wedding of his son, also a specialist medical surgeon to a girl, also a doctor.
The functions were a lesson in simplicity. Typical of the hills was a mehndi ceremony, where the bridegroom is pasted with henna, a send-off to the baraat (marriage party) and a reception for the bride and groom. The highlight was a traditional ‘dham’, a luncheon meal, which the good doctor hosted for the entire village. I had the unique experience of joining 1500 guests, comprising virtually the entire village. The doctor, his wife, and staff from the hospital served us choice hill dishes. Our plates were made of disposable large leaves from the local trees. No wastage, no littering, complete environmental harmony. It was a humbling moment for us city dwellers to sit on the ground with the simple village folk. With the ‘dham’, the village formally adopted the young couple.
Beginning their married life in austerity in nature's lap, the newlyweds have inherited a legacy of sacrifice and social service. They have preferred to begin their professional career in a remote and inhospitable region of the Himalayas.
