Pre engagement ceremonies

There are so many traditional ceremonies associated with a Parsee wedding and if that wasn't enough, they choose some Indian/Hindu ones to suit, such as putting a turmeric paste on bride & groom, for good health and skin.

Lunchtime's pre engagement ceremony was at the Parsee Hall (not the temple). Traditionally, these are each held at the separate homes. A mango tree is planted, sprinkled with coconut water, incense sticks are burnt and prayers are recited while each mother ties string round a coconut 7 times. Then 2 groups of 4 married women sit in a circle, intone prayers and move bamboo trays with various things on and pass them around.
 Then we eat, this time traditional Parsee Indian food.
Food is served by the family (who eat once other guests have departed). 

This sort of bread and butter pudding was wonderful! 

Bindi applied, we await our driver

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