Nurungukal [varthamanam]...

   Let me through varthamanam share with you some of my thoughts on recent events.

  I had no intention to attend this marriage. But when the bride groom’s father invited me on phone late at night just a few days ago I was not able to deny him. I clubbed the programme to fulfil a long standing invitation to visit my brother in law who was staying in the same city where the marriage was going to be hosted. Another reason was to meet some scientists in the Dairy science institute.

  The function was arranged in one of the most expensive halls in the city, a symbol of lavish spending. The main building stood majestically at the centre of a few acres of land on the national highway. It provided ample space for parking any number of vehicles. As my brother’s in law car reached the entrance we were received by a uniformed security personnel. The lobby was spacious and decorated in a typical Kerala format, with lighted lamps, flower designs resembling our Onam celebrations. Beautiful girls attired in set mundu in NAMASTHE  pose throwing smiles gestured us to move forward and to sip a welcome drink which was spread in wine glasses on a high table. The drink in different colours and formulations watered my mouth and I did not think twice to down one or two. Slowly and with some acquired amount of dignity we moved to the auditorium and was seated in chairs. Then the flow of other guests , each one projecting their identity commenced and gradually the seats were all occupied. But many of them moved around in style, especially the ladies exchanging pleasantries. The on looker found it hard to take away his eyes from them. The hall was filled with an enchanting aroma of fresh textiles and various perfumes of foreign origin.  Some eminent persons accompanied by a few came and were immediately  seated along with others of same feather.

    I was trying to just recapture the scenes from the marriage function of my sister happened  a few decades ago.  I found that the essential  details are all same , only the context has changed and every thing was in tune with the passing of time. The only difference was that our participation was minimised as the event manager was the hero of the function and we played the role of a well wisher.I enjoyed the the ease at which we were monitored by an unknown hand, otherwise the whole show would have crumbled into utter chaos.

  The guests were from different walks of life. Each had to be treated appropriately. The protocol is to be maintained in each case. More over the present society demands certain standards in conducting such events.

   The bride and the groom were fully aware of their role and ushered the guests in appropriate manner. They were not the shy and hesitant type. They withstood the pressure of entertaining the whole crowd one by one or in batches flamboyantly.

  I took the opportunity to greet the VIPs which was an added attraction of the event to me. Altogether  I rate the event ten on ten.

I left the city after fully enjoying the hospitality of my brother in law and his wife’s family with a promise to return at the next opportunity.