One of the most significant aspects of Indian Weddings is that it brings together members of the community, irrespective of their political, religious or social leanings, in a bond that should be experienced and not heard or read.
Each Wedding is almost a ‘family affair,’ with men, women and children assembling in a festive environment to spread goodwill and understanding.
These are also occasions when the bride and the groom not only become the cynosure of all eyes but also ‘targets’ of fun and entertainment. They are often teased, and joked about but all without malice; there would be plenty of love, admiration and feeling of oneness.
While most Indian Weddings are characterised by tradition, religious formalities and other aspects that could be peculiar to a family or grouping, the evening Reception is always an event replete with entertainment. Depending on the financial ability of the parents of the bride or the groom, these could range from celebrity performers from overseas or talented local singers and dancers.
An exceptional Reception
The Reception held to celebrate the Wedding of Zeead Sheikh and Shahima Siddiqi on March 19 at the Malaeola Community Centre in the South Auckland suburb of Mangere was no exception.
In fact, with exquisite design and tasteful decoration by Kazana Designers, it was one of a kind.
With more than 1600 people representing a cross-section of the society, it was a social, community and family event. As well as special Magrib Prayers and speeches, the Reception was a source of endearment, for not only Azad and Saiedah (parents of Zeead) and Mohammed Sadiq and his wife (parents of Shahima) but also for a host of their relatives, colleagues and friends.
Mr Sheikh said he had always favoured the wedding of his children in an atmosphere of amity, love and friendship.
“We follow the teachings of the Holy Quran and Islamic traditions, which were the core of the religious aspect of the Wedding of Zeead and Shahima. We were keen to host a Reception that was truly a social and family event,” he said.
He said the engagement ceremony held in January 2011 was confined largely to close family members and friends.
The Nikkah (Wedding), organised by Shahima’s family at the Ellerslie Convention Centre on March 18, 2011, was a solemn ceremony.
Goodwill & Help
Mr Sheikh said a number of people extended their hands of goodwill and help in organising the Reception ceremony on March 19.
“I am grateful to Chefs Mohammed Hassan, Mohammed Rauf (Hamilton), Mohammed Hakim, Mohammed Farouk (Rotorua) and Mohammed Faiyaz (Auckland) for creating a menu that was sumptuous and tasty. I heard from guests saying that dinner was served with love and care, which is the most important aspect of Muslim weddings,” he said.
Mr Sheikh said there were many prominent professional and businesspersons who took time off to attend the Reception, which he said, “was a demonstration of their love and respect for our family.”
Among them were several members of family and friends from Fiji (including Solicitor Mehboob Razak) Canada and Australia and New Zealand (including prominent businessman Rahmat Ali).
“Special mention must be made of Abdul Aziz Hassan (AA Hassan Plumbing and Trustee of MauNatul Islam Trust of New Zealand), Gul Zaman (President, Counties Manukau Multicultural Council and Vice-President, Auckland Interfaith Council) Hassan Ali (Business Manager, Davey Motors, Manukau) and Satish Vermani (Managing Director, Bank of Baroda New Zealand Limited),” he said.
The Sequence:
January 2011: Wedding Ceremonies begin
January 2011: Engagement
March 18, 2011: Nikkah at the Ellerslie Convention Centre, Auckland
March 19, 2011: Reception at Malaeola Community Centre, Mangere
