Show me the 'Mehndi'!

I just finished reading a lovely little book titled the Sari Shop by a Punjabi author called Rupa Bajwa. There were several aspects of the book which held great relevance for me but a few stages in the book were most endearing & made harken to something happening in my office right now...that most revered of Indian customs...the celebration to beat all celebrations: the Indian Shaadi or wedding.

One scene in the book depicts how sacred a tradition the Indian wedding is: to its chief protagonists, the participants, the guests and to all those around any of the mentioned. Anything connected with the wedding becomes untouchable & above all question. Any amount of digression from work, leave, long lunches, even longer discussions in the office on various aspects of the wedding et cetera is all forgiven. No activity is too important if it comes in the way of anything remotely connected with the wedding. The Wedding is supreme and towers imperiously over work, time & space: commanding attention, laughter, questions & good will, meant or not.

So who then am I to question this great tradition of ours? What right do I have to protest against weeks of inane activity, mindless spending & obsequious conversations? Bring on the Shaadis...although I hope when and IF the time comes, mine will be one such shaadi less.