After attending a spectacular Indian wedding, we left Hyderabad with a beautiful sunset to continue our journey in India.
Farewell Hyderabad
Decorations at the Reception
Lights transformed the decorations from the wedding to reception adding to festivity and celebration of the event. What a fantastic end to a classy Indian wedding with lovely decorations!
Indian Wedding Decorations
The Wedding was held at the same venue as the Musical Night and within less than 24 hours, the decorations were changed to be unique from the previous night and were spectacular.
From the colorful flower walkway, to the greeting stand where the bride and groom exchange garlands before the wedding ceremony, to the wedding stage decorated with fresh flowers, is eye pleasing.
Musical Event Decorations
Among the many pre-wedding events that occur prior to the Hindu, Punjabi, and Gujarati wedding ceremonies, the Sangeet is where the party begins. The word Sangeet translates to ‘sung together’ from Sanskrit. Unlike religious ceremonies such as the Haldi or portions of the wedding ceremony, the Sangeet is solely conducted to relish in the happiness and joy surrounding the couple.
The décor reflects the festive spirit of this Indian wedding event …..
Sangeet Event Decorations
The word “Sangeet “ means music, but when it is used as a term to describe a celebratory event during an Indian wedding it translates to Music Night or Musical party. This musical night is a celebration of the union of not only the couple but the bonding of both families. A sangeet usually takes place the night before the wedding. It can feel very similar to a wedding reception, with food, dancing, and fun—and everyone is invited! The couple’s family members and friends perform special dances to celebrate the couple.
Fresh flower decorations and colorful lights welcome the guests …….
Haldi Ceremony Decorations
Warmed to the very core with the color of sunshine, a Haldi (Turmeric) ceremony is one tradition of many that brings a unique feel to an Indian wedding. Haldi or turmeric paste is renowned for cleansing and purifying couple’s body before they enter into holy matrimony. Additionally, it symbolizes the happy start of a new life together. Haldi is said to safeguard the bride and groom from any negative omen that may damage them before the wedding.
The decorations and outfits at this event were matched to the colors of turmeric …..
Wedding Decorations in India
We attended in January 2023 a spectacular wedding in Hyderabad, India. There were five events for the wedding and the decorations at different venues were all unique, elegant, and colorful. The decorations at these events were at a different level, but reflected the normal festive spirit of celebrating Indian weddings.
The first event was the Welcome Party where family and friends of the groom and bride introduced themselves and had an outdoor party with live music.
Farewell Costa Rica
We end our series of postcards from Costa Rica with our unique dining experience in San Jose. We had delicious Indian food at an outdoor tent setting serenaded by peacocks on elephant sculptures.
Costa Rica – Clouds and Rivers
Traveling through Costa Rica reveals its beautiful landscapes with mountains, clouds, rivers, trees and vegetation.
Costa Rica Food Exports
The top three food exports of Costa Rica are pineapples, bananas and coffee.
It was interesting to see blue covers on the bananas. The use of a banana fruit blue ripening bag can improve the quality of the fruit as well as increase the yield, and in many case reduce the ripening time. The ripening fruit gives off a gas that in turn speeds up the ripening of remaining fruit. Covers also help to protect the fruit against insects and other animals.
Costa Rica – Faces in Wood
Interesting wooden carvings of faces at a road stop in Costa Rica
Costa Rica – Wood Art
Costa Rica hand carved animals are made with exotics woods such as Guapinol, Rosewood, Purple Heart, Parota and others. Saw these wooden sculptures at a rest stop in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica – Trees
Saw a couple of unusually tall and big trees in Costa Rica. Nicknamed the “tree of life,” baobabs play a key role in their ecosystem. They help keep soil conditions humid, promote nutrient recycling, and prevent soil erosion. And, they are an important source of food, water, and shelter for various birds, reptiles, and insects. I had to take three shots for a closer look at the tree. Saw the second tree at our hotel. Couldn’t identify it but it was definitely large.
Costa Rica – Landscapes from the Road
It was enjoyable to travel by road and view the beautiful landscapes of Costa Rica
Sunset Sky Monteverde
Beautiful sunset sky with clouds and water in Monteverde, Costa Rica.
Sunset in Monteverde
Because Costa Rica is so close to the equator, the sun sets quickly, and at roughly the same time all year. Here are views of a beautiful sunset in Monteverde.
Coffee Plantation Monteverde
With high altitudes, fertile volcanic soil, warm temperatures, steady rainfall, and tropical climate, Costa Rica is uniquely positioned to produce superior coffee beans with fine aromas and flavor. A Coffee Plantation Tour in Monteverde is a chance to experience first hand the tradition that is the growing of coffee in Costa Rica.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Vegetation
Monteverde’s green oasis is the pride and joy of ecotourism in Costa Rica. With cloud cover that hangs at the canopy, the cloud forest is fascinatingly different from the tropical rainforests that are spread across so much of Costa Rica. Common examples of vegetation include lichens, orchids, and bromeliads, all of which are abundant in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Cloud forests also tend to host a large number of endemic species, as their unique climates and specialized ecosystems create habitats that are not found anywhere else on Earth.
Canopy Tour Monteverde
Monteverde or “Green Mountain” as it is directly translated is aptly named for its extensive reserve of lush, verdant cloud forests in Costa Rica. For those who want to explore the mysteries of the cloud forests, the most popular way to discover this unique area is by trekking across walkways built in the forest canopy – or gliding along a zip-line! The walkways were originally constructed for scientists seeking to learn more and discover new creatures.
Landscapes from the Road
Driving from Arenal to Monteverde in Costa Rica revealed beautiful landscapes, with mountains, clouds and water, of the country.
Photos by Ravi 