A couple of months ago I attended my landlord's family wedding ceremony. I have lived with this family for 6 weeks in the same home, so they feel like - in a way - my Nepali family here. One of them, at least.
A multi-day affair of which I got a window into two of the most important (public) days: the bride's side family party, and then the passing of the bride from one family to another the day after.
The family is Newari, an indigenous group from Nepal. They have quite distinct traditions that feel very different from Hindu (India-origin) families I know.
I can't remember a time I've been to a wedding quite so luxurious, nor beautiful - both visually, but also ceremonially. The two days were a reflection of all of the emotions that intertwine at such a huge life event: excitement, release, anticipation, sorrow, seriousness, closeness and absolute familiarity, strangeness and unfamiliarity, worry and child-like play.
Photos above:
(1) Bride-to-be friends tending to their sister
(2) The bride-to-be at her last party with her mother's family
(3) One of my new friends...
(4) 2nd day: marking the groom's arrival
(5) Celebration after the exchange of the neck garlands - our equivalent of the exchanging of the rings
(6) Salpana, who helps with the work at home
(7) Bride flanked by the women from her family
(8) Father spending a serious moment with his daughter before he helps give her away
(9) The official giving away of the bride...her mother pours water over the bride and groom's hands, her father's hands
(10) Covering of the new wife's face
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