Last night I found myself scarfing down tender seekh kebabs at a Punjabi wedding and it struck me that there's something special about Punjabi weddings, which sets them apart from the rest. The reason is obvious: a large number of Punjabis.
For one, if an invitation card to such a wedding says "7:00 PM" it means that the guests (i.e. you) should not arrive 10:00 PM. No wait. 11:00 PM. (I do admit that this is often true of ALL Indian weddings, events, etc.)
Punjabis like to eat. Obviously, food is of paramount importance at a punjabi wedding. It is, undoubtedly, the centre of attention. Even more significant and important than the wedding ceremony itself which begins painfully late.
(It would also be worth noting that Punjabis like to call chicken "murga". Their refusal to call it "chicken" is not without reason. Apparently, calling this delicious form of poultry "chicken" reduces its appeal to the tongue.)
Punjabi weddings also have a large number of punjabis (am I stating the obvious?). And Punjabis laugh. When Punjabis laugh, they like the world to know that they find something funny. Their laughter is loud, clear and resonates in the hall. The word "Hearty" is apt.
Relatives. When you're at such a wedding, and you're related to one person (to the best of your knowledge) a domino effect is observed. An entire battalion of relatives appears, and also knows you quite well, seemingly. The remark "Kinna vada hoga ya!" is often heard during the introductions to this seemingly endless regiment of Punjabi relatives.
Another essential part of the wedding is the Bhangra (forgive me, but I'm not too sure about the difference between gidda and bhangra). No Punjabi wedding is complete till a large number of relatives raise their fingers (pardon the expression, but if you've seen anyone do the Bhangra, you'll no what I'm talking about. "Shake their legs" just didn't make the cut.) to Punjabi music. This is by far the most enjoyable (and hilarious) part of the wedding.
Try and visualize a large group of fat men and women (full to the brim with food and drinks) trying to shake a leg to "Punjabiyan di Shaan Wakhri". A sight to behold.
The ceremony itself is short and sweet although it takes place at about 1:00 AM as the "baraat" has too arrive. It's not very important either.
Punjabi weddings are about food, drinks, dancing, music and Punjabis. The bride and the groom are hardly seen. Ironic? You're damn right.
NOTE: Any inaccuracies in protocol and/or procedure that might have crept in are inadverdent and deeply regretted.
And yes, I am a true, hearty, fun-loving, kebab-scarfing Punjabi.
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6 comments:
Yeah, punjabi weddings are much more fun than normal weddings.
Reason --> Non veg, Kebabs hmmmm......
Damn, you have increased my appetite. Fun article though :)
bhangra is what males do and gidda is what females do.. thats the basic difference.
and another thing that people say is "oo.. do you recognise me"
@G: You're absolutely right. I can't believe I forgot to mention that.
frankly, I don't recognize anyone...beyond first cousin.
No matter how many times I'm told.
I'd take em for strangers.
I don't go to weddings only.
@RG: I've found its convenient to address everyone as "uncle" or "auntie" (as the case may be)
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