Nurungukal...contd....

          We reached home in time. The pilot party consisting of brother-in-law,sister etc, had already arrived earlier and were waiting to receive us in the traditional style[aarathi etc.]. Then a session of offering milk followed. It was always customary to make fun while the milk is poured in a small spoon as the couple had to adjust their mouth to accept it when some members tried some tricks. Over and over again in every marriage such funny scenes are enacted. This ritual is enjoyed by all and taken lightheartedly. After this orientation it was time for the bride to change dress and be present before the guests.

            We had arranged a get together of our local friends and relatives in the evening.  I met many with whom I had lost contacts. Most of my classmates had already become parents. It was nice to renew the friendship. Some were new settlers in the immediate locality. Many families had moved into our village as it provided all facilities and a peace full atmosphere. All of them had come with gifts wrapped in colourful paper. The size varied depending on the intimacy. But a few,while taking leave discreetly left a brown cover containing cash  in my hand. Earlier days this custom was not prevailing in our society. Only very close relatives reciprocated each other to offer a gift or helping hand in cash. We had received a number of silver glasses and plates, a few gold coins etc as gifts to my sister.Some of the silver glasses are still available in a wooden Almira on the first floor of our house in Ponani.

          The menu was as usual a laddu, some mixture[same ingredients as of now],a ripe plantain and a piece of cake wrapped in a butter paper and of course a cup of strong tea all served in porcelain plate and cups. Paper products were not in use.

          The relatives of the bride en block paid a visit and left leaving her eldest sister and husband as care takers and escorts. Gradually the invites left one by one and it was time for the family members to engage in private conversations. The venue was taken over by my eldest brother and brother-in-law to crack jokes and prompting others to make fun. Mother was immensely happy and joined with us to enjoy every minute. It was always like that when ever we met together. But now as the quorum has shrunk we are not able to do full justice to our entertainment sessions. The major players have left us one by one  creating gaps in our family fabric. Now we are depending on the next generation to reestablish the lost grandeur of our family get together. We have not lost hope as some of them have inherited the spirit in abundance.....contd....