22 Oct : Hindus seem to be currently convinced that upcoming Russell Brand and Katy Perry marriage is “moving in the right direction” in following traditional Hindu rituals, although little more piety would help.
According to reports, English actor-comedian Brand and American musician Perry are undergoing a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony on October 23 at Sher Bagh Resort adjoining Ranthambhore National Park in Rajasthan state of India on October 23.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that reports suggested that many of the traditional pre-wedding Hindu rituals apparently were being followed. Perry had been spotted wearing nath (traditional bridal nose ring which is removed by groom on wedding night); she was planning to decorate some parts of her body with mehndi (myrtle paste); groom planned to arrive by white decorated horse at the wedding venue; and a Hindu priest had been hired to perform the ceremony; etc.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, hoped that Brand-Perry would follow the proper rituals at the actual wedding ceremony on Saturday also, which would include recitation of Sanskrit mantras by groom, bride, and other relatives; kannyadan (giving away daughter in marriage); lajahom (parched rice oblation by bride’s brothers); saptpadi (seven circumambulations of the sacred sacrificial fire); filling of the bride’s maang (line of demarcation in parting and setting the locks of head hair) with vermilion; groom touching the feet of bride’s parents to seek blessings; etc. Oldest existing scripture of mankind, Rig Veda (10.85 mentions sacred marriage of Surya and Soma) provided the divine prototype for human weddings on which later Hindu weddings were modeled.
In marriage, instead of physical union, Hinduism stressed on spiritual union, Rajan Zed added.
Sher Bagh Resort claims to offer ultimate in authentic Indian jungle camp including 12 luxury tents with verandahs, Ayurvedic massage, hammocks, campfire and a helipad among others, with each tent costing about US$562 per night. It reportedly serves a full English breakfast, a light and usually Italian lunch, afternoon tea, and a traditional Indian dinner by candlelight and has its own organic vegetable and herb garden. Ranthambhore National Park in south-eastern Rajasthan is amongst the finest places in the world to see wild tigers. Mughal Emperor Akbar fought a battle in the area.
BAFTA nominated Russell Edward Brand (35) of England is reportedly attracted to Hinduism; carries a Sanskrit tattoo on his body; and has made visits to a Hindu temple. His catchphrase is “Hare Krishna” and Mahatma Gandhi is reportedly one of his heroes. He was quoted as saying: “I’m into yoga, I meditate all the time, I’m vegetarian.”
