THE BANDWALLAHS

Like the troubadours of Medieval Europe, the bandwallahs travel around providing music for weddings during the marriage season.  Dressed, to kill, with caps, brass buttons and epaulettes, they have a repertoire of all the latest Bollywood songs.

The wedding procession is a major celebration and the local hotel provides the starting point for many of them, heading towards a number of nearby 'wedding plots'.  Traditionally, the procession or baraat of the groom and his family and supporters, to meet the bride and her family, takes place at night - the exact timing having been worked out according to an astrological chart.  

Two young men carry the firecrackers and rockets - these are laid and lit and they quickly stand back as  they go off with a swoosh and loud bang.  The next in the firing line, quite literally, are the two young men carrying the banner and one wonders if they've ever had to dodge the odd squib !  They're followed by the brass band - at least two tubas, a variety of french horns and cornets, which provide a blast of music, to rival the performance of the drummers further back.  They're followed by the beautifully decorated wedding carriage in the shape of a swan - the drummers provide an earsplitting rhythm - they are then followed by the most spectacular part of the procession, the 12 women carrying tall, brightly lit candelabras on their heads !

These phallic shaped electric lights in multi colours, together with the pulsating music, create an eye catching effect ! The women are linked to each other by a lengthy electric flex, as they light the way for the dancing guests and men bedecked in turbans (a mark of honour). Bringing up the rear, on a cart,  is the all important electric generator, providing power for the candelabras and microphones !


Traditionally, the groom is supposed to ride on a horse, but most elect to travel by car, embellished and decorated with floral wreaths !

The sheer energy and celebration of this procession is infectious.  The bandwallahs give it all they've got with tireless enthusiasm.  It's an important occasion, ensuring the continuation of the line and the joining of two families !