Saravanan and Kavinila’s Wedding
9th June saw the marriage ceremony of Saravanan and Kavinila in Moira Village Hall. It was a beautiful spectacle of family, religion, nature, finery, and, most importantly, love. Love bloomed everywhere and it was a true privilege to witness and to be a part of.
I’d never been to a wedding outside of a generally Christian denomination before. The spectacle of colour, light and music here was breathtaking.
The ceremonial leaders carried out a number of rituals with intricate precision, heart and joy. At one point, the Bride and Groom took the flame of the ceremonial fire into their hands – just quickly enough not to burn themselves, but long enough to feel its power & purity. The artistry of it entwined the most deeply meaningful aspects of their bonded relationship.
The wedding guests in the audience were asked to bless the Flower Garlands (that they call Malai) as they were brought around on trays and later were asked to take a small handful of rice and flower petals to throw at the couple in celebration.
As people moved around the room, you were able to appreciate just how intricate and beautiful the clothing was that the people in ceremony were wearing. Growing up in Leicester, I was familiar with traditional South Asian outfits, but to see the ceremonial clothing was something on another level.
Saravanan’s Jacket was embellished with embroidery – you could see the hours of attentive work which had gone in to producing something so regal. Kavinila looked incredible throughout and had a change of ceremonial dress as part of the ceremony… the first outfit was almost as beautiful as the simply stunning second. My words cannot do justice to how beautiful she looked.
The whole thing was fabulous. I couldn’t stop smiling. I just absorbed the celebration.
I was invited by Saravanan’s family. As their District Councillor, I was honoured to be a part of their ceremony as a Political Dignitary. In this role, during their ceremony, Saravanan placed a Malai around my neck as Prakash placed a ceremonial green cloth across my shoulders. I was asked to take a handful of flower petals and scatter them over the couple’s heads as I offered them my blessings and best wishes before saying a few words.
Taking part in this ceremony has had a huge impact on me. It is an incredible privilege to be invited into people’s lives in this way and I have to admit it was completely unexpected. I knew most of the responsibility that becoming an Elected Member of Local Government would bring; but to intertwine cultures in this way and for my attendance to bring the joy and prestige to the event and family that it did was just a wonderful surprise for me.
I think people know I have become a politician because I care so passionately about the community in which I live and want to help improve it. To be a part of joining cultures in this way was way beyond my expectations and an utterly lovely experience.
I hope Saravanan and Kavinila enjoy a lifetime of happiness together. x