Last Friday, my friend Murtaza invited us in his Valima Ceremony. I had totally forgotten about the date/time of the event until i received a SMS from him ‘formally’ telling us about the event at their community center. Wow! i thought, How could i not get the idea of formally inviting people via SMS? though i occasionally use SMS as a reminder tool 🙂
He had strictly told us to be there on time as their ceremonies are quite unlike the valima ceremonies thrown by our folk.
Me n dAs coordinated and he picked me up from my place at 9:30 PM (we had to be at his community hall by 9:45). After messing around for a little while we reached the place almost five minutes after the deadline time. At the community hall, we two seemed the odd ones out as we were dressed in our respective colorful clothing and the rest of his community men were clad in their traditional white sherwani and pajama…. while we were wondering like idiots on how to start and where to go, we were approached by a guy who was set in place by the Dulha bhai to look for us. He guided us to the groom. After formal pleasantries, we were seated at our designated place (remember, that the seating arrangement was in small groups right on the floor). We were told that the dinner is served as soon as the size of group reaches 6 or 8.
The dinner had already started (the most punctual wedding arrangement that I ever remember). in 10 minutes or so, our group acquired the desired number and we were briskly approached by a guy who placed a big platter in the middle, on the platter were wrapped items which turned out to be steamed beef, chicken malai boti, a few desserts, salads. We quickly learnt the code of eating, every item was taken out of its wrapping and placed on the platter which served as one big plate for everyone. Once we started, the servers brought Biryani and it too was treated the similar way.
Another nice thing about the occasion was that the drinks were not the routine carbonated soft drinks, but a traditional lemonade in black pepper and black salt… om nom nom (i am drooling even as i write this). Once we were finished with the dinner and dessert, it was time to go. We got up, caught the groom and co. who was just starting his dinner, and he spared a few precious moments to have his photographs taken with us.
Thats the beaming groom 🙂
Yours truly with dulha bhai.
dAs with his new look and our groom
so, within an hour from entering the hall, we were out. with our tummies full and the night still ahead of us. Had it been a wedding from our folks, we might not even have reached the gathering as dinner at such places is served no later than midnight (if you are lucky – 1:00 AM being the average time).
Thank your Murtaza, for inviting us to such a unique experience. I wish other people could follow a similar custom of pitying on the attendees while they marry. The food was very unique and tasty, the occasion was simple yet awesome… I wish you and your wife have a long and prosperous life ahead of you.
Burhan: Rants and Beyond... 