As a cultural learning experience (read girls getting giddy) we were able to wear saris (or is it sarees?) for an hour or so. It took about that long to get ready!
The female staff, Anju, Monica and Neha, brought their own beautiful saris with them to the home base and dressed us up, including Indian style make up and jewellery.
I was lucky enough to be dressed as a bride, wearing Neha's actual wedding sari! Red is the traditional colour for Indian brides, as white is the colour for funerals.
My didi (term of endearment - older sister), Anju, did all my make up and hair. It is a lot more full on compared to my normal style! Red/pink eyeshadow, liquid and pencil eyeliner, mascara, eyebrow pencil, lip liner and dark red lipstick! Plus an elaborate bindi pattern starting in between my eyebrows and curling around both my eyes.
Then the jewellery!! All gold:
Pendant in my hair parting onto my forehead.
Nose ring that was SCREWED into place (that brought tears to my eyes! "you're supposed to cry, its your wedding!"), that had a chain attached to my hair.
Earrings with droplets over the back of the ears.
A large choker
A large necklace under the choker
A belt with bells
2 anklets
2 toe rings
Bracelets with intricately jewelled chains attached to rings.
Glass bangles.
Phew! It was heavy.
I asked how long the bride had to wear everything, "just for the wedding, not the party/reception" how long would that be? "oh probably 8 hours!" Eek!
When all the girls came out to proudly display our new look the boys were in shock! Martyn as then given a very red tube with a lip gloss style applicator and he had to draw a small line from the centre of my forehead up to my hairline. "Now you are married!!!" :-D
There are many ways to spot a married woman, not a ring on her finger...
A large bindi
Red bangles
Toe rings
The red line in her hairline - this signifies the woman's wish for her husband to have a long life
The sari itself was very comfortable and I would love to have opportunity to wear another one, but maybe without all the jewellery!
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