Low Plaza was alive with music, food, and traditional dance Saturday afternoon, as the Organization of Pakistani Students transformed the steps into a full-scale Pakistani wedding, complete with a veiled bride and a handsome turban-wearing groom on horseback.
The ceremony was part of OPS’ annual Hangama, or “mock-wedding” celebration, which aims to bring Pakistani students from across the city together for the celebration of tradition.
“Its purpose is to show the Columbia community one of the most vibrant and important events in Pakistani culture, which are weddings,” said Rabia Hassan, CC ’08 and president of OPS, in an e-mail. “We see the traditional steps to a Pakistani marriage and get members of the community to participate."
Chicken-and-rice stands lined Low Plaza, and crowds gathered to welcome the dashing groom as he made his College Walk entrance on horseback. The bride followed, covered in a gold embroidered red veil.
Saira Siddiqui, BC ’09 and OPS vice president, revealed that the selection of the bride is usually a secret process. The OPS board selects a candidate from Columbia who is not of South Asian background. “People not necessarily in a South Asian culture thus have an opportunity to participate,” Siddiqui said.
The “match made in heaven” is usually completed by a groom from the NYU
Pakistani Students Association.
This year’s groom spontaneously joined two of his mates in one of the many traditional Pakistani dances that entertained audience members.
Watchers clapped and cheered, and women dressed in their Pakistani best threw petals in the air, as the timid bride approached the impassible looking groom. They finally sat down, and after the traditional sweets—known as “mithai”—feeding ceremony, began watching dances and performances by cultural groups on campus.
“I can’t believe the groom is drinking Sunkist out of a plastic bottle. That seems a tad inappropriate,” Anna Malkan, CC ’11 said.
Bhangra rhythms easily won over the crowd as OPS, CU Bhangra, TAAL, CU Bellydancing, Dhoom, and CU RAAS danced to the great enjoyment of the bride and groom.
They were joined by Columbia students, Pakistani families who came to take part in the festivities, and random passersby who were drawn into the atmosphere.
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