The very mention of Indian weddings is sure to bring a smile and a twinkle to the eye of every person. Ranging from shy smiles of the bride and the groom to the problems of their indegestion, every small bit of news invites widespread speculation from friends and family.

Jodis are said to be made in heaven and arranged for in India. It is a time when the entire family comes together and has a gala time. It is a moment to have a good time with loved ones.

Hindu weddings are often week-long affairs and these can stretch even more. Talking of the Indian weddings, the one character that thoroughly distinguishes them from the rest is the concept of arranged marriages. Today's idea of an arrange marriage consists of a boy seeking a smart girl and his family, smart money. As soon as a marriage proposal reaches home a facebook search is conducted of the prospective candidate. English speaking skills and annual pay package is looked into. If the candidate meets the standard norms, an affirmative answer is swiftly sent. All this is achieved without even going through the trouble of falling in love.

Wedding arrangements is the next step. This is the time when mothers face nervous breakdowns and fathers battle with finances.. Shopping provides opportunities of binging in purchase of dresses that are capable of visually impairing people if they chance upon watching it under the full glare of lights and of jewellery that can choke throats and sever ear lobes. This is also the time when romance is high in the air, behaving like teenaged sweethearts; couple stroll around hand in hand gracing every movie theatre in the city with their presence.

Finally, “I do”

Now coming to the wedding day, as the majestic baraat enters the gates of the rented farmhouse, they are most warmly received with waiters standing with platters of juices and drinks which is obviously required after thedehydrating exercise of dancing yourself hoarse in the baraat. The groom is directed to the entrance where a group of girls stand awaiting his arrival. Negotiations ensue, he finds himself holding a scissor with which he cuts the ribbon tied across the entrance. As he moves towards the direction of the newly inaugurated mall of which he is the chief guest, he finds his entry being restricted by the girls. Only upon thrusting a bundle of notes in their waiting hands is he allowed a passage to the fair; the fair of his marriage, the fair that promises lots of food and fun.

All this time, the bride sits in one of the inner chambers of the farmhouse, bowing under the weight of all the heavy stuff that she adorns. Finally, the moment arrives, when under a tumult of chants issuing from the DJ, the bride andthe groom exchange garlands on a raised platform, giving the look of a union in the heavens while all the time tormented by the fear of falling down, prone as they are under the load of their dresses.

The farewell ceremony of the bride, has to some extent acquired sober proportions nowadays. The brides don't make big fuss while they comfortably seat themselves in the plush new Honda City gifted by their parents, ready to start a new life!!