With all the progress in technology, the Hindu traditions get brought along too. There are still ox carts in the streets, as well as the beautifully carved wooden temp-le chariots, but some of the traditions even borrow a little from Bollywood (or Tamilwood).
There is a tradition that when a man comes to town for his wedding. He is paraded through the streets so everyone may have a look at him and see who's clan the bride is joining. It's also a double check for the parents so anyone can 'speak now or forever hold thy peace'. As pointed out to me, someone can step up and say 'I know that man and he already has 3 wives....or owes a lot of money....or whatever.'
This groom, in an electrified oculus, accompanied by a couple small cousins, was at the center of a huge parade. With a band and marchers, his float was on top of some vehicle which was so completely covered by the float I couldn't see if it was car, or truck, or what.
The parade took up the entire street. I had to plaster myself against the wall of the building to let it pass into the dark night and onto many years of wedded happiness.
No comments:
Post a Comment