Book at the backdrop of an Indian Festival

by - March 07, 2024

 If blogging gave me something very important apart from self employment, it has to be the incredible writers' community. I mean the like minded individuals who have a knack for creative writing, are the best part of my working day. The friendships that I have formed have only gotten stronger over time. We, as a community also love to write on a common topic, to share our common interests. So I am part of this Bookish blog, where we write about a specific topic every month pertaining to books and this month it is " Book at the backdrop of an Indian festival. 



Now festivals are an integral part of our culture. There are innumerable festivals celebrated in our country and hence a long list of books are dedicated to them. But then it struck me, what's that festival in India that's celebrated with great pomp and show, by every religion and caste and creed and pops up almost every month? Yes, you guessed it right! It's the great Indian wedding! 

An Indian wedding is a week long extravaganza. From traditional functions like Sangeet, Haldi and Mehandi to the Westernized events like Bachelor/Bachelorette party, Cocktail night etc etc, Indian weddings are like a week of Durga Puja or Diwali celebration (Narak Chaturdashi, Laxmi Puja, Kali Puja, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, etc etc..)

Now there are many books on Indian weddings too; just like festivals. However a book that had particularly captured my heart was the one I had read last year: The Great Indian Tamasha. Written by the bespoke Delhi based international wedding planner, Rasika Bhatia, this book is a collection of her experiences of conducting weddings throughout decades. All the stories are real (with changed identities of course) and most of them are a hilarious take as to what all can go wrong in an Indian Wedding. The title is so apt; I truly feel that the fat Indian wedding is nothing less than a great Tamasha. So many people to please, so many gifts to shower and an over the top budget. Just like any neighbourhood's annual Durga Puja. I mean if you are a Bengali, you would be able to relate! Every year, it's the same story. Budget always overshoots the collection, lots of politics involved and many bridges are burnt.

So if you are game for a hearty laugh, pick up this book. You won't be able to keep it down! The chapters are very short and barring a few shocking and emotional tales, it's a laugh riot.

So what's your take on this wedding and festival analogy? Do you feel the similarities too?

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘BookishCafeBloghop2024’ hosted by  Rakhi Jayashankar and Samata Dey Bose

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11 comments

  1. I've been a fan of your writing since the beginning of our bloghop journey. I love your unique style of thinking and writing each topic ♥️ Indian weddings are truly a huge event like festivals. I haven't read the book ye. Will read this soon!

    Niveditha Preeth

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  2. Haha so true. A big fat Indian wedding is equivalent to a festival. It has all festive wibes. People coming together, dressing up, having fun, loads of food and laughter, everything is there. The rituals and prayers makes it even wonderful. This is truly a great festival and a book with it's details shall definitely be funny and full of laughter. Thank you for recommending this one.

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  3. I have heard of Rasika Bhatia. I would certainly like to read the book, as you are saying it's a laugh riot. Weddings are the biggest festivals in India, the celebrations carry on for days. Bookmarked this.

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  4. An exceptional concept indeed. Indian wedding as a festival is something that goes unnoticed. "An Indian wedding is a week long extravaganza. From traditional functions like Sangeet, Haldi and Mehandi ..." quoting this from your post is something I completey agree. It's no less than a festival with every essence of emotions, happiness and what not.

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  5. Dr. Deotima Sarkar30 March 2024 at 00:57

    This is an uncommon book indeed. Love it's premise so much though. Weddings are indeed such big affairs here and with a lot of random involvement from relatives

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  6. Hahah! Only Indians celebrate a wedding like a festival (I think!) and this book brings about such a unique perspective. I absolutely adore the loud colours and imagery on the cover too. Thanks for sharing this because it is the first time I've come across this book.

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  7. An Indian wedding ceremony is no less than a festival celebration. Both give us the same happiness, and an elaborate platter of mouth-watering dishes. This book is surely going to be a fantastic read. Adding this to my tbr.

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  8. Woww i really love the way that we all missed the Indian wedding as a festival in itself. I've heard of this book but didn't get a chance too read and I'm talking this opportunity as a reminder for me to pick this up

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  9. This book review by DocDivaTraveller offers a refreshing perspective on the theme of Indian festivals by highlighting the ubiquitous and extravagant nature of Indian weddings. The author cleverly draws parallels between the grandeur of weddings and the festive spirit of traditional celebrations like Durga Puja and Diwali. Through the lens of "The Great Indian Tamasha" by Rasika Bhatia, the review encapsulates the essence of Indian weddings as vibrant spectacles filled with humor, drama, and emotion. The author's personal anecdotes and comparisons add depth to the narrative, making it relatable and engaging for readers. Overall, it's a delightful and insightful review that sheds light on the cultural significance of weddings in India.

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  10. Yes, I am aware about this book. Rasika Bhatia did a wonderful job in penning down the so-called "BIG FAT INDIAN WEDDINGS". Your review is a wonderful reflection of her work and it suits apt for the intention of your blog topic.

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  11. So true. An Indian wedding is no less than a festival. The grand celebration of union is just like any festivities where family and friends come together to rejoice and eat so yum food. 😋

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