Indian Wedding (Brief)

Indian weddings are branched out into many kinds which differ significantly according to religion, caste, belief or language spoken. Fundamentally, all Indian wedding ceremonies are rich in rituals and traditions with the involvement of a Brahmin priest except for the Dravidian Indian wedding that would be conducted without a priest and mantras but all the rituals carried out will be explained by an elderly in a medium that is understandable to all. The classic musical instrument, “Nadaswaram” will be played throughout the occasion to bring glory and grace to the function.

The “thali”-tying ceremony is the most magnificent of all as it is referred as a holy thread by Indians, and this sacred string will be tied around the bride’s neck by the groom with three (3) knots that represent God Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. “Thali” is also called “Mangalyam” in Sanskrit or “Mangalasutra” in Hindi, interpreted as an auspicious symbol. The string of “thali” could either be in thread or gold and the locket would be gold or in ancient time turmeric was used to replace the golden locket for the poor. Another vital ritual is to walk around the bonfire (agni) seven times that symbolizes the bond and togetherness for seven births respectively. The most favourite part of the marriage loved by most women is to watch or experience the groom to put toe rings for the bride. Close family members and relatives play vital roles in one’s wedding to give blessings and to guide. Parents and elders would give their blessings when the newlyweds prostrate. Then, they will be asked to exchange flower garlands and rest on the decorated chaise lounge for a photography session.     

Proper costume for an Indian wedding in general, is saree or lengga for the bride and dhoti or kurta for the groom. Usually the designed costumes especially for brides could be found in a wide range of prices from RM1k at minimal cost. A decent Indian wedding would approximately require RM50k excluding the expenditure for jewels and textiles. Traditionally, dowry is a very popular word in the Indian wedding, which is brought by the bride to groom in cash form or properties. However, eventually this practice has been decreasing as more love marriages are done and everything is being negotiated due to a good mutual understanding between families. At present, wedding gifts are wrapped fabulously and presented in an eye-catching appearances placed in the copper or silver trays that might consist of sweet-meats, clothes, jewelleries, coconuts, betel leaves and nuts and in the modern world technological gadgets or honeymoon packages. Decoration on the big day is expensive and important to add shine to the place, event, and car which is done according to taste. Normally, the halls will be decorated with lord Ganesha’s statues, flowers and ribbons. The main highlight is the “manavarai”( the decorated chaise lounge) where the couples will be seated in the opposite direction of the guests to receive cash gifts, presents and for snap shots.

Displaying pre-wedding shoots in Indian wedding reception is a norm nowadays to avoid the guests from getting bored whilst videography is started before the commencement of the function and continues until it’s fully finishes. There are numerous of photography packages available in the market for any purposes for instance, outdoor, indoor shoots or storybook albums and more to discover based on budget. Photography is a drawing of events in a way that acts like a time machine after a while. It helps people to reflect back to golden old days, to visualize the meaningful event and get a great sense of satisfaction and pleasure by looking at it. The photo albums are definitely something that have been awaited for long by every family curiously after each event. Photography casts the essence of eloquence to the soiree.  With the existence of an excellent art called photography, everything now could be recorded accurately for the future use.  

Waste not, want not

Waste not, want not?

What do we understand about the statement given above? How do we interpret it?
Well, it depends on the eyes of mind that see it. For me, it's a crime and all of us are actively involved in this crime in our daily routines, either consciously or unconsciously.
I got to admit that, I am prime criminal of this subject as I waste a lot in terms of food, money, time and more.
Yet, I'm at least convinced that I'm aware of what I'm doing. Sadly many of you out there are clueless as it doesn't seem to be that severe.
Wasting is becoming a habit-cum-second nature in most of us. This can be prevented if we spend a few seconds thinking how the things that's useless for us may be important or useful for others. After all, any act of kindness wouldn't harm or cost anything.
Think for a minute before wasting your food if it could be given to someone else or at least a stray dog which is dying in hunger.
Why wouldn't you pack a few bags of your old clothes and donate it to the needy, say to the old folks or orphans rather than burning or dumping it? Worse to worst, why not use it in your kitchen? Save up some expenses.
Ordering food that you know you can't finish, is bullshit unless you don't know or you're new for the dish. Is this too hard?
I guess not, huh? I think that this is something to ponder on, which is spreading a virus-like disease that dwells in each of us.
Such a sickening and unbearable attitude, indeed.
Papers and old wrappers or files can be used for different things. Old cards and other stationery can be used for decoration for instance. Wouldn't that be nice and fulfilling?
Shoes, why don't we take them to the cobblers to get the sole fixed instead of throwing?
What is so bad about avoiding the immoral act? It's definitely not a senseless or stupid issue. It's about our personality.
Plastic bags that we get in stores when we get our things can be reused as garbage bags. Isn't that better than spending extra penny to get your garbage bags?
Think world.

Anger

How do you express anger?
       some show it by yelling, 
some by talking back;
            hurting people,

       some by taking revenge.,
some by listening to music,
      some by reading books....
some by working with art;
               and colours,
     some by cooking, 

some by throwing;
        and breaking things up,
    some by taking a decision,
some by giving punishments,
    some by being rebellious,
some by keeping quiet,
    some by burning calories.... 
and I? 
    by practicing laughter therapy..

Expressing a truly exhausted mind ....

Life seems to be over occupied with things lately.
     Plans are haywire, yet thoughts are stable,
Trying to cope well and adapt what's happening,
    Nothing emotional or special, just exhausted.
Not fad up, but tired physically and also mentally perhaps,
    However, it feels really good,
           Kind of a contended feeling,
A sense of fulfillment by getting committed to life,
         Nourishing awareness of  expanding years of survival,
Anticipation of what's next,
                           Curiosity on how does it going to be...,
Uncontrollable imaginations growing vast within,
        Enlightening and vibrant as it could ever be..,
Goals shine as the peaks are close ...,
      I see lights of blessings and tranquility,
Reaching the edge...,
      Soon to be...........close to me...