The Buffet, a photo from West Bengal, East

Photographer's Note

It is customary for the Groom's family to throw a party in honour of the new bride. This is called a 'Bowu (the Bride) Bhaat (literally 'rice' but here a feast)'. The new bride is supposed to cook for all the guest and serve food to everyone. Naturally, it is physically impossible for the Bride. These days the food is ordered from caterers and the Bride just goes to the kitchen and touches a cooking pot. Then, when guests arrive she goes through the motions symbolically. Because my niece was married outside the city and the groom did not belong to the Bengali community, the system was a bit different. There was a wedding party in Mumbai and the Reception was held here.
At the Reception my sister and my brother-in-law invited 1000 people who ate their fill at the buffet. This is one corner of that. It was a very colourful, jovial and gourmet affair.
Cropped a little, contrast pushed up a little, a photomasque added.

Marlis has marked this note useful

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Marlis (2298) 2005-11-29 12:08

hello Salil,
I am a bit surprised that no one has commented on this striking image yet. The richness of the color- red mostly- is eyecatching. It is a wonderful daily life shot, thank you for sharing this special event. The composition brings the focus on the food- that is what this shot is all about, the Weddingfeast.
Marialuisa

wadd99 (141) 2007-11-08 12:12

I enjoed all your photos from India and most important I really enjoyed your photographers note just as much.
All your photos are good, I wish I could give you points on all the photos but you really don't need anymore people telling you the same things over and over again.. Keep up the good work.