Wedding games have traditionally been a part of Indian
weddings since hundreds of years ago when child marriage was very common. In those days, the games were ice-breakers for the groom and the bride who would've often NOT even seen each other
before! It was also a good way for the two
families to get to know one another. Today
the games are still played, but more as a tradition and to add a fun element to
the entire marriage celebration.
In this book, Sona is about to attend her first Indian wedding - her
sister's! The more Sona hears about the
different, the more fascinated she gets.
There are several traditions that make up the entire wedding program -
the mehndi, the groom riding on a white horse, colourful rangoli and garlands
over doorways. It almost seems like a
festival! But what leaves her most astounded is the tradition where she, as
the bride’s sister, must steal the groom’s shoes!
Sona is worried if she will be successful in her important job. What do you think will happen?
Kashmira Sheth and Yoshiko Jaeggi have weaved this Indian
wedding story into a fantastic picture book. The text authentically portrays the excitement of a first
Indian wedding from Sona’s perspective.
Her observations, thoughts and questions help her understand the various ceremonies that make up the wedding.
The tilak or kumkum, the mantras chanted by the priest, walking around
the sacred fire seven times – are all explained in a simplistic way.
Amazingly life-like illustrations spectacularly depict
the flurry of activity and enthusiasm that pervades in a wedding household. Even the ceremonies that make up the wedding,
such as mehndi, applying turmeric paste on the bride’s face, the groom riding
on a white horse, the bride and groom walking around the holy fire – have all
been shown in a remarkably realistic manner.
This is a great multicultural book for children learning about various cultures. A great resource book on Indian weddings for children.
Appropriate for audiences
6+.
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