Social Events, Bengali style

Dr. Ghosh wanted to take us to a Rotary Club meeting, so I decided that it was the perfect opportunity to wear my sari for the first time. Mrs. Ghosh helped us with the wrapping and the pleating. the worst thing is being so short half the material ends up bunched underneath the petticoat which makes for a bulky fit. I guess there is so much cloth that it doesn’t really show. Also, it’s hard to breath with the drawstring pulled tightly around my waist. Well, higher, because otherwise the underskirt would be dragging on the ground.

We were welcomed at the meeting and given a rose. I was very inspired by all the projects going on that the Rotarians were discussing. And to think that I thought it was a bunch of old rich white guys socializing about boring business and promoting their own interests. I was pleasantly surprised by the spirit of giving back to the communities in need that permeated the projects. One member was a doctor from Germany who had set up a free clinic in a village and had been running it for fifteen years. Someone else organized a camp for children in need of heart surgery where some were able to receive free services because of sponsors that were found by Rotary members.

Another social event that we attended recently was a marriage party of two former students that Dr. Ghosh taught.The parents of the bride were happy to have us come to the wedding, making it an international event. I had attended a ceremony at the LeMont Temple near Chicago, so part of the proceedings I had seen before. However, I was not prepared for the mechanical neon chicken playing drums or the three men wearing masks and dressed as characters. One looked like an elderly Quasimoto, one a portly constable, and the other a clown in ruffly pants.

Beautiful bride on red chair.

Neon chicken playing drums

I have no idea if there is any significance or the costumes were based on availability. The usual marriage trappings were there such as garlands of marigolds adorning the colorful arch at the gate, colorful lights strung over all the buildings, lots and lots of food options. Great desserts. The bride looked gorgeous with her gold jewelry and red sari as she sat receiving gifts and greeting guests. The groom arrived later in a car covered with roses and streamers wearing a head crown that looked like a white layer cake or Sikh temple. Loud fireworks ensued, erupting in the middle of the street. We didn’t stay for the actual ceremony part because that was going to take place in the wee hours as was found to be the most auspicious time by the astrologer. My camera battery was dying so I regret to say that I have few pictures that turned out. Imagine if you will the dazzling feast of color, sound and scents. Hopefully, we are able to go to another wedding so that I can document everything better and stay for the ceremony.