Baraat (A Wedding Procession) Poem by S.D. TIWARI

I received an invitation,
to join a wedding procession
He was closed to me,
and residing in the same region.
We had mutual friendship,
and also, an intimate relation.
I reached straight to the place,
therefrom, had to start the procession.
Worried of the traffic jam,
I reached well before the time.
Fancy lights were on, and
the drums, cymbals, brasses set in line.
Specially dressed groom,
boarded on the decorated mare.
To march to the wedding venue
folks and friends were prepared.
Apart from the concert band,
'dhol' was also there, to play.
On the tune of 'dhol' beats,
started to dance, groom's friends.
Whole of the street turned into
the house of opera.
Everyone was racing,
to come in front of the camera.
Band masters paid attention,
more on to grab the currency notes.
That were thrown and flown,
by the groom's congregates.
I too, took out a hundred rupees note,
the band master leaped to snatch.
Poor children also soared for it,
and left on me minor scratch.
In their push and pull,
the note dropped from my hand.
And dancing in the wind,
gradually fell down on the land.
Now band and drum players,
all were taking their chance.
It looked like as they were doing,
the special ‘note dance'.
I could not know exactly,
who were those fortuned,
But the note went into
the hands of at least two.
Crackers were also exploded,
hearing the bang, mare went hostile.
She was controlled soon,
but 'Baraat' was furious for a while.
In a couple of hours
we reached unto the ‘Pandal'.
Friends and congregate folks
continued dance until the ‘Jaimal'.
Thanks to the hosts,
there was no 'small corner tent'.
Otherwise ‘Baraaties' could have
wasted many more moments.
On arrival to the venue,
the bride side greeted.
We were served snacks and mocktails,
what else was needed!
Magnificent decorations,
and variety of delicious foods.
On the stage, like the king and queen,
positioned the bride and groom.
I watched very carefully,
all the ceremonies and proceedings.
Not just the once but twice,
every ritual was happening.
Once as said by the ‘Panditji'
after mantras recited.
And next the action was repeated,
as the photographer directed.
DJ dance went on for hours,
by the guests and friends of the host.
I enjoyed the enchanting party,
without paying any cost.

Whenever, I get an invitation,
I never miss to attend the ‘Baraat'
For the reason of great fun
and variety of luscious food without cost.

- S. D. Tiwari