South Indian wedding!

Our first indian wedding was this morning at 9:15am. We are told there are over 40 different marriage ceremonies alone, this is a South Indian, Tamilian style.

At the hall entrance was a colorful welcome sign. The man on the side happened to set up shop (selling children's toys) in front of the hall entrance.

Here, the groom (with floral garlands) waiting for the bride. Family stands in the background.

Bride and groom doing pooja (prayers).

Here, the bride sits on her father's lap (signifying the father giving away his daughter) while the groom prayers over her head, eventually the groom ties a necklace around the brides neck which she wears forever, it's equivalent to our ring exchange.

After the necklace is tied, flowers are thrown at the bride and groom by all to wish the couple good fortune.

Walking around the fire 7 times.

Neha and I with our much needed coffee.

Lunch is served (while the poor bride and groom continue to sit through pooja), a typical South Indian thali meal is served on a banana leaf, and they serve a little bit of everything.

Ganesh's birthday!

The biggest idol in Hinduism is Lord Ganesh or Ganapati. Yesterday was his birthday, and statues of him were put up on every corner of the city.

For the next ten days people will visit them, and on the 10th day all of the statues (or idols) will be taken and immersed in bodies of water (all over India). It is said that the Gods after the pujas (prayers) go back to their Heavenly abode and for this reason they are immersed. Also, the Idols are historically made of Clay and they have to finally mix with the soil in the river or water. This practice is controversial these days as some sculptures may pollute waters.


In transit.


At a store (next to the cash register).


Setting up shop.

out shopping

Cruising the streets in a typical rickshaw (or little, itty, bitty, open-aired, pseudo cab).


Shopping at a local handicraft spot! My friend Tanvi lost in the pottery.


And lunch, at a very famous chole batura place - fried dough and spicy chickpeas, oh my!

Independence Day

ISB celebrated independence day with over 200 children around Hyderabad from various under privileged schools. They were so excited to be here.

Patiently waiting in line to go inside.

Practicing for the big play.