On February 11th 2008, Anju Sharan married Mohan Chand, a young man from the greater Delhi area. Engaged for the past year Anju and Mohan developed a close bond speaking several times a day by phone. As their marriage day grew closer Anju contemplated leaving home and her beloved family, moving onwards to a new life, the thrill of marriage and beyond. Excited and sad, nervous and purposeful we prepared for the momentous occasion.
I first met Anju in 1993. Abandoned by her mother in a small, bare shack, I remember seven year old Anju terrified and brave, protecting her younger sister Meena, the strong one in her family of two. The next day the police gave us permission to bring both girls to the ashram. Today she has completed a one year computer course in accounting and is starting the final year of her B.A. Our wish for her is that she is continuously proud of her achievements and how far she has come.
After days of rain February 11th dawned bright and clear. Following the traditional bridal bath Anju left for the beauty parlour. She returned as a golden goddess bejewelled in traditional Indian dress.
Mohan arrived on a gallant white horse surrounded by dancing relatives who set off firecrackers in blasts of colour. The two families met under a flowered arch, Mohan’s, a traditional extended family, Anju’s, an eclectic blend of Indian and westerners. Anju joined Mohan on the stage for the Jai Mala and to have their photo taken with every single guest present.
Soon after, surrounded by immediate family the fire ceremony commenced, a ritualistic blend as both families joined together in marriage. Under the intoned prayers of the priests a small crown was ceremoniously placed on Anju’s head, the bride and groom fed each other sweets, malas were exchanged and cemented by walking seven times around the sacred fire. On the final lap the bride and groom were showered with flower petals, love and joy. Anju then applied the traditional kum-kum on her forehead, something she will put on everyday of her married life.
Eventually the couple were allowed lunch although Anju could barely eat under the weight of her jewellery. After lunch we could no longer avoid their inevitable departure. While gifts were loaded and the car was decorated Anju’s sister prepared her to leave the ashram as a married woman. Soon the tears started flowing. Savita, who had been crying for the last three days, broke down and sobbed. Anju hugged and held her as we all started crying. Meena and Renu, the two closest to Anju were inconsolable. With such a large family and so many to hug goodbye the departure took its time to unfold. Finally the children crowded Anju’s car for final goodbyes as the bride and groom drove off to their new life.
Our deepest congratulations and best wishes to Anju and Mohan as they begin their new lives together in union.
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