The Marigold Bride

many try

but cannot tell the difference

between a marigold and my skin

both of them are an orange sun

blinding the ones who have not learned to love the light

-Rupi Kaur

सयपत्री

Mrs Sayapatri

In Hindu weddings, marigolds, better known as the herb of the sun, are a part of the decor and are most favoured since they symbolise auspiciousness, positivity and represent the sun. They are also associated with God Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, and in Hindu mythology, they’re regarded as the ideal couple

During my stay in Nepal I had the chance to attend few weddings, but the last one was definitely different, not only because celebrated during the Pandemic but also because I am very close to the lucky couple. I was invited to the bride’s family home to assist to the preparation and the “dressing”, pretty early, before the ceremony. Only women allowed in her room, of course… sparkling shoes, and jewellery boxes were on the bed and I was there in my Indian scarf with my camera while everyone else was getting ready and dressing up the bride in her red saris embroidered with gold thread and dotted with sequins, and with traditional green borders, and tying her hair into knots and bows with small pretty adornments, painting her nails, helping her wearing the heavy “tayo” neckless and shiny bangles. My friend was transformed, from cool girl with the “tomboy” look to a beautiful princess, a blushing bride… transfigured into …marigold.