It was then my first visit to Mumbai. And hence everything i was laying my eyes on went deeper than only seeing. I was hearing, more. Walking more. A place that promises light to your dreams ever since you earned consciousness, a place known for many a rags to riches story. Famous or infamous for world’s second largest Film Industry. I was there looking at every action, motion, observing how people move, react, are.
Yet, I hadn’t been able to go out much then in Mumbai. One thing that i had loved walking in mumbai were the dairy shops where you would get Chai from the fresh milk. So one day while having malai/cream chai at a milk dairy I had started having a liking for, only because there was a beautiful big peepal tree I could sit under. And secondly. unlike in north India where there is milk a plenty but there is no way you can sit and enjoy different variations of milk in a dairy shop. Mumbai seemed to be bathing in milk as much and moreover you could sit here like in restaurants.

That evening I had my camera as i had gone on a photographic walk around the Versova betty area. It seemed a beautiful day as i had hardly moved around mumbai studying it in images ever before. I can say that was my maiden image day for Bombay.
After a whole day of making images around sea and standing passenger jetty, i was coming back to my favourite chai shop when a sound of brass bands, drums started approaching from far. I followed that sound, it wasn’t that hard and found colours that were talked vibrantly. Without even asking I started following the people and the bride for next few hours till the moon came out. I think it was a day of the wedding and i was documenting the bride’s journey to a local temple before they would leave for the wedding venue.

So i followed the bride to the local temple, and later a whole detour of the old versova village was taken moving towards the bride’s home. The family was surprised yet they were elated. They fed me and asked me to come along for the wedding. I handed my card over and told them i will inform them if i can make it, as i had given my time somewhere else.












It was a refreshing time and day for me, to move about and discover local lanes and earlier in day, the coastal suburb with a very subtle fragrance of fish penetrating my whole being settling over mine and bodies of houses and humans alike.

It was also the day that opened me to Mumbai. When everyone had left, i sat looking what was left behind. I had a beautiful day and that journey in Mumbai still lingers around in my mind because few days after there would come along a beautiful project that took me to the most ancient sites Buddhist sites in Sanjay Gandhi national park and most awaited Ajanta and Ellora Caves.

But more of that, sometime later. Hope you enjoyed the great Indian street wedding. And do let me know if you have danced at any Indian Wedding yet?
Dear Narayan,
How wonderful to read the words written by someone passionately in love with his country and its people. You turn the everyday occasion like weddings are in a big city, into a colourful, poetic encounter, with the pictures so full of detail. You don’t want us to miss anything, even the inside of the magnificent parasol/umbrella. It is as your voice was urging us to look, and look again. Dancing at the wedding like this? It would be a delight!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 3 people
It would be delightful to dance Joanna, you can’t stop when Wedding music plays here 🙂 Is parasol a spanish word ?
It is true Joanna that i love this country but i love her for the ethics and morals her children/our ancestors have bestowed upon us. For example, and simple as, understanding of breath. Yogis like me who are living in a world blinded by screens and glamour of all kinds, so just being thankful.
I hope you are well and breathing deep, Joanna.
❤️
Nara
LikeLiked by 1 person
This feels familiar. I am sure I have seen this post a few months back? xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha ha, hey Sabiscuit. Yes, it was an old old post. Updated with newer images, i saw i didn’t post back then. But hey, thanks.
at least it got you here after some time 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Woah…You have just managed to transport me to the Mumbai bylane! 👏👏👏well written!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Ramya, Mumbai carries certain charm isn’t it! some magic, do love that place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome Narayan. Amchi Mumbai 💖🤩
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂 Just read you live Pune, i have beautiful memories of my time in FTII there, dear Ashok. But yes, amchi mumbai, though you will agree with me, with ongoing ruckus there, things are going to change.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have lived all over the country Narayan and find Mumbai and Delhi and Bangalore not liveable any longer 😛
I love Pune and Chandigarh and a few other smaller towns
LikeLike
Totally, i cant tell you how unbelievably beautiful, forms filled sky delhi had due to this Pandemic that it was a delight to keep looking up. The colour and feeling within body this whole season was different and probably a blessing for all non-human beings.
Yes, both are beautiful and i am certain many people must have decided to not be back after all this, this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now that’s a tea tapri and restaurant description difference i never knew. How beautiful is the shot of Aalta feet and barrat. Bylanes always take you door by door to different worlds and their stories… You’ve captured every essence beautifully 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
ha ha 🙂 i didn’t even know i was painting a picture you beautifully described.
Bylanes are doors to many a shadows we detest mostly to pass through, and to tell you only this has made me see more, know more; mostly to almost always it has come as a blessing. Hope you are well Richa.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your posts portray one thought very clearly. Your lens and pen is not prejudiced. This adjective chains our mind n feet. You not only stepped in those bylanes, were welcomed in those doors and hearts. You’re blessed.🙂🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved this….
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks dear Westcoastwoman.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful share with such great pictures! I feel like I was there! ❤️ Cindy
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Cindy, it could be one of your bucket list, to be in one of the Indian Weddings especially in India. Thanks again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
YOu are most welcome and I do hear this. i need to add it to my list for sure!!!! ❤️🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️ great, now only we should pray for the pandemic to rest now, it has worked enough ! Sigh !
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh aye…. yest indeed!!! praying and sending you a virtual hug. 🙏🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️
LikeLike
Somehow I visualized this beautiful wedding. Amazing! Worth reading!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hey, thank you for coming over and for your words Srishty. How did you visualise it, i got curious to know ? Thanks again.
❤️
Nara
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is just how you described the dairy shop, the Peepal tree, sound of brass bands and drums, and the wedding. Well that’s the beauty of writing.
P.s : Also the Photography!😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
and beauty of you ❤️ the one observing the observer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indian weddings can be quite a community affair! My debut novel, Under the Tamarind Tree, could not be complete without the joyous celebration of a Hindu wedding 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Rosa, Lovely to know about your book. Congrats. And moreover to learn about a wedding being internal to it. Makes me curious to have it. I will see. Wonderful ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a beautiful collection of images of an Indian Street wedding, I truly enjoyed it. I happened to attend a wedding on my trip to India, just by accident ( well I don’t really believe in accidents) I might repost that from 4 years ago. Thank you for your share.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Cornelia. Yes, in a way there are no accidents, its us who might only see it that way.
But Lovely to know that. Please do post. I will be eager to see how was it like for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Liked how you wandered into it👌👌your curiosity bagged you an experience to never forget
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, it is kind of memorable when also you just join something you are not invited to and hover around as if someone’s hired you for it. I remember of course getting some eyes from the photographers who were actually hired.
anyways dear conniedia, i feel i should take this name than ghosted 🙂
LikeLike
Hahaha officially introduced not sure how to pronounce any of your names but Tushar seems easiest . Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is why Nara is there, it is for you Conneidia ❤
LikeLike
I enjoyed your account of events, and the photos are so colorful and joyous! Thank you for sharing this post. ❤ All the best! Cheryl
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Cheryl. Weddings here usually are such affairs, just that we cant hear all that trumpet jazz and noise of the mumbai streets. Thanks. Always a pleasure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful post!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Luisa Welcome, Happy to have you after sometime. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure 👍 💙
LikeLiked by 1 person
As much dearest Luisa
💙 to you
Narayan
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love these photos, and perhaps most love how you get out and meet the people ~ putting yourself in the scene. These are the gifts travelers can give, and as you show here in your post receive kindness in return. Brilliant ~
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Dalo, yes surprises that you earn and rather leaving you exhausted they uplift you for days, and a life to come. Thank you
💙
Narayan
LikeLike
I was wondering at the crowd 🙂 then read it was an old post. I was relieved 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
ha ha, good you did, else it might have become another prime time news 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes in these days 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
AN EXCITING TIME!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hey Jonathan, Thanks for this, the second time.
Narayan
LikeLiked by 1 person
You mean you’re keeping count????? 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
ha ha, only after a few more dear Jonathan i will start losing them 🙂 ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
JUST WONDERING…! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful, joyous day. Thanks for sharing it with us. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you dear Silver Screenings, lovely to have your words.
Your blog is important. Thanks for this.
Narayan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an amazing day. Thank you for your photos and for sharing your experiences.
Be well.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Dearest Ali, thanks for your words. I enjoyed this evening, this day of my life, very much and happy i could share it and have you here. It is most lovely. Hope you are doing things happily.
Narayan
LikeLiked by 1 person
In my previous job at a hospital, we had quite a lot of Indian nurses that came to South Africa to work in the healthcare industry … and they always shared photo’s of their beautiful weddings. This post remind me of their kind hearts 🌼
Your photo’s are pretty amazing and so colourful 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
See, how it all connects. How quietly you have been carrying images from one hospital job, visuals of beautiful Indian weddings and your colleague nurses.
Thanks my friend. Once when things get back to some sanity, you must plan for some days and weeks in India, with a priority of dancing at an Indian Wedding.
Narayan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I would love to do that 😊
LikeLike
It is a constant inspiration to me to know their are people with such space in their hearts to invite people who care and whom are interested to share in the small things that light up their lives!
Thank you for sharing this.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jaya, thank you for writing. I remember writing to you before. I hope you have been well and doing things happily.
Yes, there are people still carrying that light and warmth. Thanks for writing and lovely to have you here again.
Narayan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much dear lone ranger 🙂
LikeLike
Wonderful!
Remember bumping into a wedding on the streets of Delhi back in 1985, when I solo-backpacked around the world – what an amazing experience!
Many thanks for stopping by my travel and photography blog – much appreciated.
LikeLiked by 2 people
wow 1985, and travelling around the world. O my, yes that must have changed your eyes, your feet, mind everything.
Pleasure, that i did. Thanks for coming over too and your words Nilla, is it?
Narayan x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Narayan,
Yes, 1985 certainly did change everything for me and so glad I took off and just did it at a young age! But, I have to say, that it cemented the travel bug for the rest of my life. 😉
Cheers
Nilla
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was probably the most intelligent and wisest bug that could have got you.
Happy to hear dearest Nilla
Narayan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true and I don’t mind at all… 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so well travelled dear Nilla that it just makes me happy to have you here. Apologies for coming here late.
Just hoping of all hopes that world gets back on track where the fear which surrounds us dissolves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’ve been travelling for several decades but still so much more to see… 😉
LikeLike
Yes, i know it, i see it Nilla. It even reflects in your words, on your site – the abundance and weight of thought that you are carrying. My wishes to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And of course, merry christmas. Hope you and loved ones are well and planning for a good get together by the year end.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And thanks again Nilla,
Narayan
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have an awesome blog… I can see your interest. All are beautifully presented. Keep going. Please don’t forget to visit my blog as well.
Happy Blogging 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi. Thank you soo much. Lovely to have you and read these motivating words. I was trying to read about you and get your name right but i couldn’t get through to your blog, as the link would not open. But whenever i will remember and get that light again, i will visit Creative Crafts Do it Yourself 🙂
Thank you
Narayan
LikeLike
Great post! I always like to travel on the internet, especially these difficult days.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, lovely to have you and your words Kessler. Welcome here. This is probably the best form of travelling that we could do this year and most horrendously most of next year, as it is going on.
Nevertheless it only makes people like us to get together enjoying and learning from each other’s journeys.
Thank you again, very much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome! I agree!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pleasure was mine, it called me to your paintings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully written and photographed. I would love to walk those streets and stop for a chai! Glad to have found your site.
LikeLiked by 2 people
haha, well yes, for long chai shops on the roadsides have been a special place for me too, to investigate and find all the ongoing info’s while travelling here in India particularly.
I am myself glad to have such conversations, with whom who can incite some more visions and share as much.
Thanks you again Ruth
Nara x
LikeLiked by 1 person
And yes you have a beautiful blog, it was getting for me to follow it but somehow i managed, and Guatemala, looking forward to receive your journeys, looks one of its kind 🙂
My wishes, see you seen dear Ruth.
Nara x
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful celebration
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was delightful like your name 🙂 Colorado. Thank you.
Nara x
LikeLike
Thank you
LikeLike
No I have not danced at an Indian wedding – I don’t think anyone would enjoy that sight. but I did enjoy you sharing your adventure and all the beautiful color.
LikeLiked by 2 people
haha Donna, only if you can enjoy with hands up and moving like no one’s watching, that sight will be a joy to i am certain you 🙂 Very kind of you to take time out dear Donna, your words and presence makes it only Richer.
Thank you again.
Nara x
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was my pleasure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mine too Donna 🙂 I hope you do come across colours and celebration whenever you visit.
Nara x
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is reflection of class in all the detail. Each photo reflects finer-details of the celebrations.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Harbans, been sometime. Also Lovely to have your appreciation coming on images which many a times pass by as merely a routine affair.
It was as delightful a time to experience it as much.
Thank you again
Nara x
LikeLiked by 1 person
We should learn from others experiences and the best thing is that we tend to improve our know-how by picking up pieces of knowledge from every person and place we think good.
Thanks for your invaluable comments.
WITH REGARDS
HARBANS
LikeLiked by 1 person
Probably that is why we are holding on to, for life has its own rewards and few pains. earning and sharing, is something certain to have you float over anything.
Thanks for your words again Harbans
Nara
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happiness is reward of our will to fight our bad experiences. Those who stay cool and fight on succeed but those who just have escapist attitude lead an uncertain existence.
Thanks and regards
LikeLiked by 1 person
I lived in Byculla, Mumbai before spending the rest of my time in Bharat Mata in Pune
LikeLiked by 2 people
Going through your blog i imagine you are not in Bharat as of now. Well Pune is a wonderful place to have many experiences Bharat provides. Thank for writing Ian.
Nara x
LikeLiked by 1 person
After 20 years in India I was transferred to Singapore for 10 then on to the Philippines before being asked to return to Australia and reengineer a hospital. I’m now retired.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whoa Ian, very interesting, and would be interesting to know how your body, brain, taste buds, sleep, system over all took this because from reading your stories i could feel that you have loved to come close to people and understand their culture, tradition. You must have left some part of you in these countries, and may missing it too from time to time!
Nara
LikeLiked by 1 person
The happiest memories we have of our thirty years overseas is of Bharat Mata and the peoples of Southern Asia as my duties took me to the surrounding countries too. I enjoy education so completed the MBA course in IMDR Pune for my continuing education and was a member of the ICS Delhi until I resigned when returning to Australia. I have friends all around the world from my travels and value them all. There is something special about India. Yes it has some downsides but there is an atmosphere that surrounds you there which you never get out of your system. We still enjoy our Indian curries. 🙂
LikeLike
Great post and colorful photos!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Denise. I am happy as the compliment only multiplies when it comes from a photographer. Some beautiful forests you have travelled to.
Thanks for writing.
Nara x
LikeLike
This was lovely thank you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pleasure is mine dear Dune 🙂
Thank you for coming over, and for your words.
Nara x
LikeLike
Great photos! Looks like a wonderful celebration!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Dwight. Yes it was noisy and filled with little adventure on the road 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whoa, what an amazing story and even better pics. This is real quality content right here. Thanks for taking me to another part of the world, especially in the day of the pandemic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Stuart, Pleasure. Rural Weddings in South Asia is a web of intimate rituals and ceremonies, and thus is an ongoing long-term project across six countries, even though i might never visit one amongst them.
Thanks again for the words.
Nara x
LikeLike
Hey Narayan. Such a passion you have to describe the world through your words. You almost make the same world I live in somewhat different to what it meets the eye. HAHAHAHA god to say you surprised me on your topic of a wedding and the varieties of sweet dairy sweets just made my mouth water as I read your blog.
Keep blogging my friend and continue showing the world through your words. Good day:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mumbai has so much life put in by all love, history, lust, hate, wandering and even myth put together Vagha that it is impossible to override through this feeling. I must tell you that for a long time i have been longing to travel through the Maharashtrian countryside just waiting for the land to call me. Let see. I do want to live it and write daily these feelings.
I am happy you do not mind sweets and even crave it a little too 🙂 Thank you so much. Your words, views and reviews have quietly been important for me to know myself better dear friend. Thank you so much.
LikeLike
This is a good article on Indian Wedding and particularly Maharastrian culture
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was indeed a beautiful Marathi wedding day. As it seems that you are writing to me from there dear Nana.
Thank you
Nara x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks again for your words. Hope you and family are safe and healthy.
Regards
Nara x
LikeLike
Beautiful wedding! I enjoyed the pics.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was beautiful indeed Kendall. Memorable for me. Thank you for writing. I enjoyed to know that you enjoyed.
My wishes, Nara x
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome!
LikeLike
Beautiful wedding!
LikeLike
Thank you Amy, pleasure! It was one beautiful day yes.
LikeLike
Oh, I am gonna love your blog 🙂
LikeLike
haha.. yes i hope you do. Msdedeng 🙂 Thank you for writing.
Nara x
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for writing Msdedeng, and i will make sure to come over and like many of your posts.
Thank you so much
Narayan x
LikeLiked by 1 person
No worries 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have never been to an Indian wedding, however, I’ve heard that they are legendary. This post supports that.
LikeLike
Dearest sam, apologies first for missing this beautiful review of yours that can even land you in an Indian wedding some day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And not just legendary, they are momentous, they are a festival in itself, so detailed and cared with well wishes from all round, that one ought to smile and bless. ”
I hope you come to India, and when you do either you find one or you write to me.
Narayan x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot for letting us know about the wedding traditions in India! It is really interesting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are heartily welcome dear People.
I imagine anyone’s travels will never see its completion unless they experience these weddings which even differ as states change.
They have even glued me making me travel to rural lands just to document some of these affairs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for all the efforts you do to provide us with interesting articles to read!
LikeLike
Also it is delightful to have you here. Thank you once again.
Narayan x
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely post! So many colors, so much joy! Beautiful images!
LikeLike
Yes, colours is what India is made of, everywhere. Thank you so much for seeing Anita.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you again
Narayan x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful!
I am a proud Mumbaikar!
I have lived away from my birthplace on two continents for 46 years. The kind and caring heart of Mumbai never fails to make me feel proud of my city on my visits.
LikeLike
haha. Lovely to have words on my mumbai wedding from a Mumbaikar.
O you mean, you do not live in Mumbai and for 46 years !!! That is heart wrenching almost. I seriously have doubts if i can ever live away from India/Bharat actually for similar long period.
I hope you are well Chaya Ji. Its an honour(literally) that you found this way to reach my abode. Now i can learn from your learnings and teachings. My parents, all my extended family are teachers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Narayan for your lovely comment.
You are right about your teachers.
My greatest teachers were my wise father and grandfather, and am lucky to have my amazing mother to learn from.
As a teacher (now retired) I learnt a lot from my students and colleagues.
I am wonderer and a lifetime learner.
Stay blessed.
I am a lifetime learner.
LikeLike
Teaching is indeed a blessing, if we start balancing our learning and sharing aspect. Also a teacher has to be a pillar as children look for inspiring actions and take and imbibe it from them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Again thank you so much for your observations.
Narayan x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Also, i took note only late last night of your email. Thank you for writing. I will write back soon Chaya ji. Accept my regards.
Narayan x
LikeLike
Thank you. Stay blessed.
LikeLike
Thank you again.
Narayan x
LikeLike
I *have* danced at an Indian wedding. It was in Agra in 2012 during my 2nd visit to India and we heard the band and my sister and I raced from our hotel room to the street and were encouraged to join in with the dancing that was part of the procession leading the groom to the venue. It was so magical for us westerners to see an Indian wedding, and to be invited to participate. I’ve since been back to India twice more. It’s one of my favourite countries in the world.
Alison
LikeLike
haha, how awesome, such a memory that you cannot ever forget dear Alison. Where else in the world can it be done and in this style. Dancing on the street, like in the rain is like evolution.
Yes, it is spirit here, beauty and patterns in chaos. Thanks for sharing this. And lovely, delighted to you have you here.
Narayan x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice photos. I always love exploring mumbai
LikeLike
Thanks sanchita. O yes, Mumbai is one city I might like to photograph still.
Thanks for writing
Narayan x
LikeLike
What a beautiful celebfration!
LikeLike
Argh…make that ‘celebration.’ Apparently, my fingers aren’t quite in sync with my brain. I’m chalking it up to Monday. 🤣
LikeLike
Haha.. Yours and sam’s image is a delight to look at.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you again for the words.
Narayan x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha. Thank you Monika. Lovely to have you here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That must have been an amazing celebration.
I really enjoyed your pictures as well.
LikeLike
Amazing, mazing celebration. To those one that we may say for’ those were the days.
LikeLike
Thank you so much for writing. Hope you are enjoying this time of christmas and winter. Thank you again.
Narayan x
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Craig's Travel Blog.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on anastasiakalantzi59.
LikeLike
As I reviewed your photos again, I can see why the wedding captured your attention. Such a colorful parade. Although I have only seen photos, it reminds me of a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, with all the colorful costumes and musical instruments. It was a photographer’s dream.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Dwight, as I travel in the Southern part of India, which is far more filled with colors, music and an extension of a true Indian old life, I came across another Wedding here that I photographed just a few days ago. I think photographers have served the society in more ways than we acknowledge them for or how much they deserve it collectively.
Thanks again Dwight.
LikeLike
Also, do you have any post where you managed to photograph the Mardi gras parade?
LikeLike