BHARATI PAWASKAR
When Aakash and Rajani’s wedding planner suggested them to have their invitations printed on a silk cloth which can be later used as a kerchief, they were thrilled with the out-of-the-box idea and instantly agreed, though it would cost them little extra. As the to-be-wed couple was all for an innovative wedding celebration, they personally oversaw the planning details. Believing that the big day comes only once in life, they wanted to make it a memorable one, for themselves and for those who attended it. From invitation cards to venue, menu, sitting arrangements, dress code, drapes, flowers, light, stage, ethnic Indian wear, jewellery, return gifts “ everything was exclusive. And though it cost them a bomb, both were too happy to spend lavishly. Apart from the haldi, mehendi, sangeet, saat pheras as part of the marriage ceremony, they also threw a grand reception party the next day. There were specific colour themes for each of these occasions “ from clothes to flowers to lights, which made their big day really an unforgettable one.
These are theme weddings and most families opt for them. Influenced by the big fat weddings that celebrities and big names are seen going for, even the middle class is tempted to follow their footsteps, albeit not on that mega scale. Spending large amount of money and taking care of minute detail and making sure that every single item looks pretty and one of a kind, is part of the game now. More stress is given on beauty. This has given rise to innovative ways in which one can spend money “ a trend copied from the lives of celebrities. Goa too has joined the bandwagon and people here are seen to plan their special occasions as themes which is in fashion now. Rituals don’t change but the items that are used in these rituals are beautified. It’s a new avatar of coconut or areca nut that now is draped in cloth, studded with beads, embroidered or laced.
Goa is seeing this change of mood in the celebrations “ be it a marriage, or an anniversary or a birthday occasion. Active on the social media and internet, people now know what’s available in the market and how to go for it. There are sites and pages too that display various themes, décor, dresses, dishes from which a person can choose. From the traditional attires to the ethnic jewellery and other ‘must needed’ items like coconuts, areca nuts, rice grains, utensils, flowers, gifts “ everything needs to look beautiful.
Sagar and Snehal Mule, a couple from Durbhat in Ponda recall their own marriage two years ago. An artist by profession Sagar insisted that whatever is used in the ceremony, be it a coconut or a small areca nut, must be beautifully decorated. Snehal who has a creative mind too, personally looked into the décor part and whatever she created was displayed proudly in the marriage hall. The couple got much appreciation from everyone who attended the ceremony. After marriage these décor items adorned their drawing room. Snehal never dreamt that two years later she would herself start this as a business. Today this crafts lover creates various items that are used in Goan marriages giving them an extra touch of beauty. “And I don’t have to go out for a 9 to 5 job. Staying within the confines of my home, I make and sell marvan, aaraan, madki, aayne, oro, thali, coconut, and areca nuts etc. Apart from wedding décor items I also stitch designer saree blouses, lehenga, chunari and matching purses, bags etc. I also create colourful mirrors, bottles, faces of Ganapati using macramé,” states Snehal who has recently created a Facebook page displaying her creations and accepting orders.
Similar is the case of Ashwini Dukle, a post-graduate in microbiology who left her job in a pharma company after marriage. While pointing out that India is a land of myriad cultures and innumerable celebrations where people look forward to celebrate every small occasion in life, Ashwini narrates how she got into this creative line, albeit accidently - “It all started from September 2013 when my sister-in-law requested me to make a bouquet of chocolates on the occasion of Bhaubeej. I obliged. Then followed my daughter’s second birthday when I decided to make everything at home. It clicked. Appreciations poured in. Friends came in with similar requests. Gradually I began to take orders and as my client base expanded, the scale of ideas and their implementation also widened. The concept kicked off. I created a separate Facebook page two years ago which has really helped me to reach more people. Mouth to mouth publicity too has taken my concepts across Goa.”
Today this versatile, self-taught artist makes handmade paper bags, greeting cards, chocolate boxes, gift wraps, chocolate bouquets, ring holder, sugar cones, birthday caps, pedhas and mithai boxes etc. She decorates coconut with pearl strings and wraps any kind of gift in a beautiful package. Not stopping at supplying only marriage relates items, Ashwini has extended her services to birthdays, wedding anniversaries, thread ceremonies and baby showers. You name it and she has it - necklaces of coins (coin haar), paper flowers, bouquets, gift boxes, trays and return gifts, paper bags, invitation cards etc.
“I design the varmala and paint the antarpat too,” shares Ashwini who is open to new concepts and invites ideas from her clients. Indeed big fat Indian weddings are places where such ideas can be implemented and tried. Decoration of the wedding venue and everything that is used to carry forward the ceremony need to look great and here’s where innovative ideas come handy.
