The Journey Begins - From Montreal do India
Montreal, Spring 2024. A friend approached me with a wedding invitation, but not just any wedding--an Indian wedding, set to take place in the vibrant city of Prayagraj. For a moment, I couldn't believe it. It felt like an invitation not only to a celebration but to a journey unlike any I'd experienced before.
Ever since I was a child, the idea of traveling the world has captivated me. I was the kind of kid who devoured books and movies, each one feeding my imagination and curiosity. Many people say they love traveling to "experience new cultures," but what does that really mean? For me, it's not just about admiring beautiful landscapes or ticking destinations off a list--it's about immersing myself in the lives of others, discovering how people live, celebrate, and connect in ways so different from what I know. With an invitation to India in my hands, I knew this was my chance to plan a journey that could be both epic and deeply fulfilling, a tribute to that child who dreamed of exploring the world.
Very creative wedding invitation!
The Journey to India
November in Canada is often considered the "saddest" month of the year. It's cold and dark, but there's no snow yet to brighten things up--it's simply dreary. The timing of our trip to India felt like a perfect escape, as we anticipated far better weather on the other side of the world. Excitement filled the air as we made our way to the airport, where a spontaneous idea emerged: why not extend our journey? Instead of returning to Montreal directly from India, we could continue to Tokyo and then back home, completing a symbolic journey around the globe. It wouldn't be a true round-the-world trip, but it would certainly be a dream fulfilled--one that would make that imaginative child inside me proud. But more on that in later posts.
Arriving in India was smooth yet undeniably chaotic. As soon as we stepped outside the airport, we were greeted by the ceaseless honking--a soundtrack that would quickly become synonymous with the country. We booked an Uber to our hotel, but here's where the system differs: at Delhi airport, you don't get a designated driver. Instead, you join a queue and take the next available car, a system that somehow complements the organized chaos of India's traffic.
There's something magical about that first ride from the airport to the hotel in a new country. It's a fleeting yet telling glimpse into how life unfolds in this unfamiliar world. But when we arrived at the location of our hotel, we were in for a surprise--and not the good kind. To reach the entrance, we had to walk through a narrow, dimly lit alley that felt more than a little intimidating. It was the kind of situation I'd avoid back home in Brazil, but with little choice, we pressed on. Just two blocks later, we arrived. To our relief, the hotel was simple but clean and comfortable. It was time to rest and prepare for our first full day in India.
The Wedding Experience: A Celebration of Culture and Hospitality
The next morning, we were back at the airport, ready to board a flight to Prayagraj, where the wedding was set to take place later that day. At the airport, we stumbled upon a store selling traditional Indian attire. This is where Zuleide found her wedding outfit. Although she had already packed something for the occasion, we discovered a beautifully authentic piece that felt perfect for the event--a decision that, in hindsight, truly enriched the experience.
Arriving in Prayagraj brought another cultural shock. The streets were alive with activity: cows roamed freely, sharing space with cars, rickshaws, and motorbikes, all accompanied by the ever-present symphony of honking. Our hotel, The Legend, was a magnificent retreat and also the venue for the wedding. With little time to rest, we began preparing for the event and the cultural surprises that awaited us.
In the lobby, a member of the family greeted us and suggested I wear an orange scarf, tied around my head, as is tradition in Hindu weddings. The color denoted my allegiance to the groom's side, while red scarves signified the bride's side. Donning my orange scarf, I felt both honored and excited to immerse myself in this rich tradition.
The celebration began on the streets near the hotel, where the groom sat regally atop a carriage pulled by two white horses. A lively crowd of family and friends danced ahead of him, led by a truck blasting music. The energy was infectious, and we were quickly swept into the celebration. To our surprise, the music even included "Aquarela do Brasil," a touching nod to our home country. For nearly an hour, we danced and paraded through the streets, soaking in the joy and warmth of the occasion.
When we returned to the hotel, the bride's guests were waiting, and the dancing continued before the bride made her grand entrance. She was brought to the groom, and in a touching moment, they exchanged special necklaces, symbolizing their acceptance of each other. From there, it was a flurry of photos, as the couple posed tirelessly with their guests.
Meanwhile, an incredible feast awaited us. The food was entirely vegetarian but packed with an astonishing array of flavors. Indian cuisine, as we quickly learned, is a celebration in itself--an explosion of spices and tastes that left us in awe.
By midnight, the festivities were far from over. The actual wedding ceremony, considered the most sacred part, began around 2 a.m.--a time believed to be most auspicious according to local tradition. The gathering was more intimate, with only family and close friends present. Rituals took place around incense and fire, led by a priest who guided the couple through ancient customs. We stayed until 5:30 a.m., marveling at the significance and beauty of it all, before finally retiring to our room.
Just two hours later, at 7:30 a.m., a knock on our door woke us. Sleepy and curious, we opened it to find members of the family bearing gifts, eager to thank us for attending. Their kindness and hospitality were unmatched, a testament to the warmth and generosity we'd continue to experience throughout India.
Indian weddings are celebrated over several days, and while we attended the main ceremony, the festivities carried on. For us, however, it was time to move on to our next destination: Chandigarh. But that's a story for another post. Stay tuned and leave your comments below!
You can watch our YouTube video below. Please activate the English subtitles and leave your comment!