Happy Birthday Ghandi....and some casual wedding crashing....

I've hit India at the right time, it's holiday season. Last week we had the long weekend for Eid and this week there is a national holiday for Ghandi, 2nd October would have been his birthday. We started the day just as Ghandi would have wanted, with a long lie in then a trip to the Mall for a frapuccino and use of the free WiFi......

Feeling touristy we then took the metro into Delhi,  aiming for Raj Ghat. This is where Ghandi was shot, and then cremated, and there is a large memorial for him there. The metro bit of the journey was fine. We topped up our (Indian) Oyster cards successfully, and got off at the right stop, Green Park,  then had to find the 503 towards Moorgate... er hang on are we in London or Delhi, actually final bus stop was Mori Ghat, but I'might sure eyou see the similarities!!

We found the bus stop after about 15 minutes trying to get directions by chatting with local stall holders, and tuk-tuk drivers, who insisted we wouldn't make it if we didn't go with them, we found the bus stop. On ad ice from a lady at the bus stop we boarded a 504, air conditioned and got seats! We had a long conversation with the conducter via a helpful passenger translating who informed us that the hus did not go to Raj Ghat, and we should get off and change at Delhi Gate. As we passed India Gate it looked so jn it in that we hopped off the bus there instead, watching the sun set, and the hustle and bustle. We felt like super stars being asked for our photographs as we walked around the gate, and the park.

We circled around the Gate, and then continued our wander in darkness towards Connaught Place, one of the central business areas  Delhi. As we walked through the streets and passed grander and grander buildings we saw an impressive display of colourful lights, fairy lights, Greek style drapes, and flowers. We asked if we could have a look in as we passed the entrance, of course, come and look.

The preparations were for a wedding gift taking place that evening.  Waiters were busy getting tables ready, chefs were preparing every variety of food you can imagine, and the final decorations were being added.

As we walked back out of the exit we were greeted by an older gentleman coming into the courtyard. He stopped to speak with us,  and ask us what we thought of the venue and preparations. We complimented everything, ex plaiting we had never been to a wedding in India, and how spectacular everything looked. He showed an interest in why we were there and what we were doing in Delhi, and as we went to leave told us it was his daughter getting married and he would be honoured if we could join them at 8.30 for the wedding, erm absolutely, yes please, OMG!! Happy Birthday Ghandi, this is definitely how we were meant to celebrate!!

We spent the evening being looked after by the brides cousin,  and the father of the brides brother  explaining all the different customs to us, making sure we had food, making sure we had tried all of the different types off food, quite a night of cultural learning, and amazing hospitality and fantastic food!!