Marriages...are 'settled' in heaven. And we, the mortals just get it registered formally, by paying the registration fee....I mean by throwing a generous feast to kinsmen.But believe me, it isnt that simple as it sounds to be...specially in India and that too particularly in north and to be specific, in our community!!! It is so, because we are very sentimental about "marriage proceedings"..the muhurat, the wedding customs, the groomside's marriage procession and ...and....of course FOOD!! We love food, and more than that we love gossip !! And these two make a deadly combo...Hence we ll restrict our monolouge about this most vital and talked about scene of brideside's sponsored film !!!
In fact, earlier I felt reluctant to go to parties because people used to play, "pehchan kaun" and I could never enjoy it. But then, the variety you get at such ceremonies is simply amazing...oops.. I mean people not food!! So, once I went to such a party with Dad. And the time we entered, another Dad-son duo entered with us. And by the time we wrapped up Hi-hello with the hosts and other relatives, my other counterpart returned with a victorious smile to his Dad saying, "Dad, I have completed one round of all stalls, you better start with Chaat, its better than rest". And he went for second round after giving updates. And his father twitched his moustaches and proudly declared to my Dad,"my son !", as if it was not known to us. My father looked at me and I understood by that gaze that I had let him down momentarily, but I couldnt help it then! I am also a foodaholic but I dont know why, my appetite vanishes the moment I enter a marriage hall !
However, one thing that I have realised is, the success or failure of a marriage...I mean event, depends solely on the pursuasiveness of the feast organised during marriage. The hosts pay utmost attention and take breath taking tension...but what to do, so many people, and too many dialogues...
Some excerpts:
Polite..1."Food is good..but..could have been better.."(If you ask how? please dont expect any genuine answer..it could be like, may be the hosts arent that enthusiastic about this marriage..)And a gentlemen would spend lacs of bucks without being enthusiastic...is out ofquestion, simple..!
2."You know yesterday I went to a party and the food was awesome..." And when you ask about present one..."hhmm.."and the eyballs roll like gulabjamun in empty plate, which is enough to narrate the whole story.
Moderate..1."In the marriage of bride's elder sister, food was too good...but this time I guess caterers havent been paid generously.."(And you bet, same gentleman would have had same opinion about earlier marriage party too).
2.The food is good but the salad looks stale...looks like it was the first one to be prepared.
And my favorites,the funny ones...
1."This Gulabjamun isnt soft...an aunty says,(and mind you this is her 5th-trial-verdict, for the softness of the sweet..), quite fair on her part, isnt it ??
2."I dont feel like eating but Chintu doesnt eats without sharing with me", an elderly lady claims gulping a big Golgappa(brought to you(her) by Chintu). Innocent Chintu...pre-conditioned at home to do so, was sharing his kill without will..
3."This Chaat is too spicy...sss...aah(eyes, nose, mouth all wet in unison) but the "never say die" attitude...thats what makes us special ! Right ??
But, however, yet, still, these very things contribute to the making of a big fat Indian wedding, about which you can talk, discuss, comment and laugh endlessly...And thats the real food we yearn for, isnt it ???
