INDIANS MARRY

Hokitika Guardian, 2 December 1932, Page 5

INDIANS MARRY

A UNIQUE CEREMONY, 1 2'er Preu Association— Copyright.) TE AROHA, December 1. ‘ At Chudleigh Estate on Saturday a unique marriage ceremony took place, the principals! being Miss Kartari Singh, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Phuman Singh, for some years residents of the district, and' Mr Sunain Singh, who lately arrived from India. As Sikhs from the Punjab, the parents decided to follow the customary marriage rites of their religion, aiid on Friday evening, when the sun had set, the bridegroom and his party were met at the gate of his prospective bride’s home by her father and “The Granthie,” or officiating priest, Mr Kami Singh, of Paeroa. They were duly welcomed, and songs of a sacred! nature were sung by the company. Later the room was decorated for the marriage. At 2.30 on Saturday morning the whole company listened, to “The Granthie” reading from sacred writings., ... „ .

At noon the general marriage feast and rejoicings took place, the Te Aroha Municipal Band, specially • engaged rendering appropriate selections. After hi»clrco«. *th<r brides* fidlifc ‘addressed the assemblage, thinking all for their goods wishes and the honour accorded his daughter by attending her marriage. ,

The final coremonies took place on Sunday, when the bride was conducted to her husband’s house by her father. The bride, heavily veiled, only remained for a short space of time, ahd will remain with her parents for two or three years before taking up- her new home, during which, period her face must not be seen by her husband. In his presence she must be veiled, and can ony remove the veil when he i* out of sight.