It’s been a little busy as we prepared for our first trip to India. 🇮🇳
About three or four years ago, M connected with a guy to help him create apps. They became friends. We learned of their love story and mentally planned for their eventual marriage celebrations.
In July of this year, we confirmed our visit. At last, we got to meet them in person, were included in their family events, and experienced a unique moment in their lives as they performed their marriage rituals.
For me, I have been excited about the chance to see a new country and to be with M in his own experience of being in the country of his heritage. While he was born in England 🏴, he still comes from a history in India. Although he has never really been keen to embrace his genetic and cultural roots, he accepted the challenge to come on this trip. Plus, he loves a wedding! 💒🤣
It’s been a nice soft visit in that we’ve been treated with special care and protected by privilege. Though we have ventured out to experience some of the city of Rajkot in the state of Ghujurat, we have barely had to deal with much on our own.
M has said he’d come back now. He’s clicked into the comfort of “fitting in” visually and though he may not express it, I believe there is a sense of belonging here amidst the chaos and stream of movement.
So, we may do a proper tour next time. I’d love to compare what we have seen and experienced here with other parts of the country.
Anyway, the two-day engagement and wedding parties were amazing. The engagement party was a semi formal affair with some ceremony and rituals. We were offered traditional attire for the wedding day to share in some of the rituals and see the Hindu tradition for exchanging their vows.
Some pics highlighting the events here:
Will write more on my observations of the trip later.
~T 🔥🐉♋️
