I nearly did not write this article. I am so tired. Indian weddings are extremely fun but tiring. So, this may be a short one.

My nephew had his wedding ceremony this week. The day, Friday 4 November 2022, started at 4 am for me. I had to be up, showered and off to my sister’s house to ‘bless’ my nephew before he showered and got ready.

In Indian tradition any auspicious day is commenced with a purification blessing and bath to receive the day’s blessings. Moreover, during the wedding ceremony my nephew would be ‘elevated to God status’ so this morning blessing was very significant.

I was up at 4 am and left the house at 4.55 am and managed to get to my sister’s at the agreed 5.15 am. I chose not to wear my saree for the car drive as I knew it would slow me down. The plan was to get to my sister’s house and change there. I have perfected the art of tying a saree, years of experience, down to 5 minutes.

The videographers were already there when I arrived, and the blessing was to start at 5.30 am sharp. I got my saree on in record time and was at my position to bless him when I was called.

We left for the temple an hour later factoring in rush hour traffic. We got to the temple on time and waited for the ‘right’ time to enter the wedding hall. Indian ceremonies follow the Indian Almanac that prescribe ‘good’ and ‘bad’ times each day.

At the right moment, my nephew was allowed to disembark from the car and enter the hall.

The ceremony went well, and all had a good time. It is not easy organising a wedding in any culture. There is so much that goes into it. And there is so much angst about the day that when it finally arrives, we just want to get the show on the road. It’s like climbing a mountain. Preparation is key but at some point, you just want to climb the mountain and get on with it rain or shine.

I could see the relief on both parents’ faces when the ceremony was over. It took a lot to get there and to finally see it through without any glitches is truly a blessing. And I believe that is not in our hands but in the hands of the Gods. Blessings from the Gods, Universe, whatever you call it.

Raj and Lohini, blessings for your future together.

As always, you can reach me at yoga@yoganesadurai.com