While the assembled guests, are dining, the bridegroom and the bride
also partake, and eat together from the same plate. This is a token of
the closest union. This is the only instance in which they ever eat
together.
After all the ceremonies are finished, a procession is made through the
streets of the village It commonly takes place in the night, by
torchlight, accompanied with fire-works. The newly married pair are
seated in one palanquin with their faces towards each other, both richly
dressed. The bride, in particular, is generally covered with jewels and
precious stones.
The procession moves slowly; and their friends and relations come out of
their houses, as they pass; the women hailing the married couple with
the ceremony of _arati_, and the men with presents of silver, fruits,
sugar, and betel. I once witnessed one of these marriage processions in
the streets of Madras at night, but can give you but little idea of its
magnificence. The lamps used on the occasion could not be numbered. The
shrubbery, which was drawn on carts or other vehicles, appeared
exceedingly beautiful, in consequence of the light reflected from the
lamps. Intermingled with this shrubbery, were to be seen little girls
elegantly dressed, and adorned with flowers on their heads.
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