re: Real Indian Weddings
Monaco marriage for India's Marigold couple
The romantic allure of the Riviera has always been attractive to the many couples who come here to capture some of the stardust that still lingers from the so-called 'Wedding of the Century', when Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier in the cathedral in 1956. But this year in particular, the fairytale glitz of the forthcoming wedding of Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock has become truly infectious, it seems.
Although it is given to very few to tie the knot in the heart of Monte Carlo, that is precisely what Indian socialites Kajal Fabiani and Gaurav Assomull intend to do for their four-day-long society wedding which will take place in the heart of Monaco from 18-22 March. It's tempting to see this as a taster for the events of early July, but of course it will be an altogether different affair. The two have invited their 600 guests to witness what is very much an Indian Wedding, complete with elephants - a traditional symbol of good fortune - and a white horse for the bridegroom.
Kajal Fabiani - daughter of investment guru Kamal Fabiani - runs the successful Mumbai-based resturant Villa 39, while the bridgeroom is CEO of a Delhi-based art business. Having studied in Paris, and having proposed in the Royal Albert Hall, Gaurav is known as something of a romantic, so the concept of a Monaco wedding can never have been too far away from his thoughts. All the same, the planning has been meticulously managed, making use of the most beautiful architectural spaces of the Principality.
The Hindu marriage ceremony, or Pheras, involves elaborate rituals according to which the bride and groom walk around the sacred fire seven times promising seven vows - known as the Septadi - while the priest chants holy mantras; with every step, the couple invoke the gods to shower their blessings on them. What will make this Pheras particularly special is that it will be held on the stage of the Salle Garnier, in the Belle Epoque grandeur of the Opera de Monte-Carlo, underneath a specially constructed Mandap, or pavilion-type marquee.
The guest list - comprising many highly successful millionaires and billionaires - reads like a Who‘s Who of the Indian jetset, and by attending a wedding in such a public space as Monaco, they will of course be very much on show.
However, the choice of venue is not simply a whim for this wealthy and well-connected couple. Gaurav is no stranger to the area, especially since he has developed, like his mother, a strong affinity for European art. In 2008, his art gallery Marigold Fine Arts arranged a travelling exhibition of 150 pieces, including original artworks by Fernando Botero, Claude Monet and Georges Braque in addition to personal favourites Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. 'It might take a little time to tap the Indian market but European art is in a league of its own', he says, enthusiastically.
Frank Damgaard of Monte Carlo Weddings, who are organizing the Monaco end of things, is clearly delighted at the fact that such a major event is taking place: 'It's a real pleasure to stage an event of this magnitude. Monaco offers all the right ingredients for couples searching for the perfect destination wedding: the 5-star luxury hotels, the famous wedding venues and of course the full support of the local authorities'
Programme
Friday 18 March
Youngsters' Party at the Buddha Bar
Saturday 19 March
9pm Welcome Dinner at the Cafe Llorca, in the Grimaldi Forum
Sunday 20 March
1pm Mehndi Lunch in the Salle Belle Epoque of the Hotel Hermitage
9pm Sangeet at the Salle Empire in the Hotel de Paris
Monday 21 March
Baraat Ceremony from the Casino Square to the Hotel
Hermitage, with the groom on horseback followed by a
procession of guests
Appearance of two Elephants in Casino Square
The Wedding
7pm Pheras Wedding Ceremony in the Salle Garnier, Opera de Monte-Carlo
8.30pm Post-Wedding Cocktail in the Atrium of the Casino
9.30pm Black tie gala at the Salle des Etoiles in the Sporting d‘Ete
