We love Garhwali Marriages - Through the eyes of 3rd Gen Delhi based Garhwali Kid. Growing in an area dominated by Punjabis and Baniyas, I have always seen over the top weddings - glorious lehengas, loudest barats and the most lavish food. Being a Garhwali, attending weddings of family friends who are Punjabi and attending weddings of family members, made me realise how different everything is in our tradition. We don't have the typical Bollywood wedding. A simple mehendi ritual, a modest haldi but a haldi in true sense takes us anywhere from two to four hours with "Mangal" . The best part is the daal pakodas that are a must in all festive occasions and lots of tea. It all begins with a tikka and an envelope with which you find some money if you are from the grooms side. The clothes aren't very bright but they look wonderful on the dadis and nanis of gaon who have aged so much from the last time we saw them..They don't remember us and try to recollect where we fit in the village family tree. There is immense respect for the elderly in our heart for we have always been taught to give as much respect we can to them so we touch their feet and in return we get the garhwali "bhuki " . A kiss uniquely garhwali where they touch your cheek with their finger tips which they use to pass on a kiss . Just like any other wedding the best part about our wedding is the dance, a mix of every style but usually a failed attempt at bhangra. When a garhwali song plays the atmosphere changes. Suddenly everyone you know is on the stage, holding hands and moving in a circle swiftly to the tune of bhero pako. One minute later, bubbly tero mobile comes on and everyone's swinging their bodies to its tune. If you are a garhwali and have gone to one such wedding, you will definitely know these two songs. You can say there's no garhwali wedding without these two songs blaring through the speakers at which youngsters roll their eyes and the elderly clap their hands with the most joyous expression. I think, watching their children and grandchildren dancing to the melody of bero pako makes them remember the wonderful times they have had in the village weddings. Seeing this generation dance to a typical pahadi geet, so far from home, makes them comfortable - the culture has been passed successfully. The simplicity of our weddings make them the most endearing. Whether you agree or not, every bride is beautiful and every groom handsome. Just like this, the garhwali brides are lovely with the "nath" and recently we have fallen in love.with "pauchi" worn on the wrist which one of my bhabi wore at her wedding.