'POOJAK' – Three Insights From a GRAND Celebration

 


'POOJAK' – Three Insights From a GRAND Celebration

 

Amar and Swetha, our dear friends for over 30 years, hosted an exquisite and warm wedding celebration for their daughter Pooja. Many have expressed the many aspects of what made this event special. In this piece, I highlight three themes that have left a mark on me.


A Dance of Emotions:

 


A Dance of Emotions:

I saw a father give his daughter away in a simple choreographed dance and my mind went instantly to the other Sanjana, my daughter…She had left a week earlier to the US for college and watching this dance, just brought back all the emotions. But the mind did not just stop from going back, it raced into the future, fast-forwarding  to an image of Sanjana and me repeating this dance. And I felt a lump in the throat.

 

Over the next two days, I had opportunity to observe the dance of emotions for the family members and the rest of us. Weddings provide the ultimate canvass for a riot of colourful emotions – vivid, deep, often contrasting and alive!

 

All of us were affected by these waves, and none more so than the parents. Yet, they kept their focus twin goals – doing what it takes to keep Pooja happy and ensuring that the family and friends were embraced with love. And this purpose that came organically, seemed to support them surf the waves. In fact, Amar and Swetha had their own dance – complementing and supporting each other as they not just moved with the rhythm, but made us all dance!

 

The Beauty of Immersion:




The Beauty of Immersion:

I love destination weddings. They remove the distractions of travel, other appointments, clothes to wear (some stress prior, I must admit), what to eat, etc….They allow focus on what is the most important. In these ways, they are akin to the time spent in a remote ashram. Does that sound strange?

 

This wedding was no different. We were able to truly immerse into this experience as the lines between days and nights, the land and ocean, late night cocktails and morning ‘pick me ups’ and the bride and groom’s side blurred! The chance encounter with the happy couple the morning after was special. I saw the love and respect that Tilak, the new son-in law, have for Amar (as he hung to him!) And similarly, as Kapil had his arm around Justice Sanjay.

 

This immersion allowed us to be present. In the here and now. And just BEing not DOing allowed for the magic of the moment to emerge! A spouse of a long-time friend turned to a small group and said “Sanjay is one of my favorite friends in law.” Then she went further…”One of my friends, right?” I nodded in affirmation.

 

Anandhi looked around and admired the very tastefully done elegant decorations with not one aspect out of place nor over the top. The mystery spy Vandana who is normally invisible( but always makes her felt presence felt), was actually physically present for three days, adding immensely to the joy by her non-stop pictures. Sumanth even got emotional  -“The best wedding I have attended” he proclaimed a couple of times. DP made an observant point that resonated with me – gratitude for being part of this inner circle.

 

Yes, the power of immersion is strong.

 

In fact, I believe, this piece emerged this morning only because I was away from distractions alone in a log cabin in hilly Uttarkhand.

 

 

The Unseen Magic of Interdependence:



The Unseen Magic of Interdependence:

As I watched this young man diligently clean the large windows of the wedding hall, I was struck by how many people – the few known and many many unknown have come together to make this day special for two people! WOW!

 

The reality of inter-dependence is hidden at most times. We go our days oblivious to this law. The Southern Africa term – UBUNTU – ‘I am because we are.’ Increasingly, the light is dawning on me.  

 

 

Comments

  1. RajivAugust 23, 2021 at 10:42 PM

    There is never a better example of interdependence is the big fat Indian wedding. Immersing oneself is the best way to enjoy the madness of Indian wedding and come out with a feeling of joy. Of course as they say that it is difficult to please all at the Indian wedding. An important lesson that not all will share the same experience.

    ReplyDelete
  2. NayanjeetAugust 26, 2021 at 11:06 PM

    You touched and woke up a dormant emotional chord in my heart, rekindling so many memories of immersion, be it in weddings or other family gatherings.

    ReplyDelete

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