This post has been written for the theme โ26 Places, 26 Memoriesโ for the #AtoZChallenge.
D FOR DELHI:
Delhi is the capital of India, and has been my home since birth. This bustling city is the seat of government, and a melting pot of cultures. Its vibrant modernity is offset by its rich historical past, and traditional comportment by its colonial aesthetic. Delhi has great art and culture, world-class museums, fabulous food, first rate educational institutions, a lovely green cover, and numerous options for retail therapy; making it a popular destination.
You may ask why Iโm including my home-town in a series on travel memoirs? Itโs because Iโve enjoyed Delhiโs hospitality through many staycations at its top-notch hotels. For example, my husband pampered me for my 30th birthday with a stay in Delhiโs oldest 5-star hotel, The Imperial. Weโve also frequently vacationed at hotels in the outskirts of Delhi, including the ITC Grand Bharat, and the Taj Damdama Gateway Resort. Each stay has memories attached to it, but this one truly deserves mention.
DISCUSSING DEBAUCHERY IN DELHI:
I got married in October 2013, in a two-week long, multi event extravaganza. One of the Sangeets (song-and-dance celebrations at Indian weddings) was held at Nandiya Gardens at ITC Maurya Hotel, Delhi. As is customary, the hosts of the function were given a room for the night, at the hotel.
This party was hosted by my parents, which made it my night to shine. I wore an exquisite lehenga designed by my mother, and I was decked to the nines. My friends and family members performed a skit and dance show, to the backdrop of a movie about our love story (yes, we were that cheesy!). However, the real party began only after the photos had been taken, dinner had been eaten and the elders had moved on.
We shifted to the basement of the hotel, where we could party without time restrictions. The talented DJ doled out the latest hits, shots flowed freely, and the dance floor resounded.
After wrapping up at 6 a.m., a handful of us retired to the room to swap drunken stories while removing my jewellery, clothes and endless hair-pins.
We were in splits talking of the boy who had to be rescued from the toilet, when he locked himself in and slept off; the young chap who was transported to his car in a wheelchair after passing out in the lobby; and my emotional breakdown with my best friendโs brother, because she couldnโt be present at my wedding. Clothes were torn, heels were broken, many flirtations had taken place, cars were abandoned for cabs; but a fantastic time was had by all. The night was memorable in every aspect, but the few moments spent with my loved ones in the room were especially dear to me.
Given a choice, Iโll pick a quiet conversation over inebriated bodies gyrating to fast-paced numbers in an ill-lit room, any day. Perhaps thatโs what โadultingโ is ๐
Come back tomorrow for the letter E and another story!
Book a stay at any of these hotels in Delhi by clicking here.
*Unless specified, all pictures are clicked by me. Copyright belongs to nooranandchawla.
**This is not a sponsored post, but contains an affiliate link. If you book a stay using my link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.ย
You had me in splits by the end of this post. Although the subject was quite intriguing.
Glad you liked it ๐
Woww! You look amazing ๐ Loved the post!
Thank you so much ๐
Loved your story Noor, a bit similar to that of mine. You look ultra gorgeous.
Thank you Vartika! Yes, I feel most Indian weddings have many mirch-masala moments like these ๐
You’re a sight in those pictures, Noor! That must’ve been one mad night, but know what, it is good to have some wasted fun with your friends sometimes. I’m curious about what happened the next day though. How hungover were all of you? How did you take part in the wedding rituals?
Thanks Varsha!
We had anticipated this problem, so the next day was a โbreakโ day from the rituals! ๐
I love the sangeet pictures. You had an eventful night for sure. Memories like this make our special days
Yes they are the most special memories:)
Fun and frolic equals to delhi. And you are looking beautiful
Thank you so much ๐
Itโs always fun to remember such nights! You look gorgeous ๐
Thanks so much Rashi ๐
It was indeed a memorable night!
A typical marriage celebration. It is good to be part of such a party once in a while.
Oh yes it is!
You look gorgeous. It was such a fun to remember those days and nights isn’t it? You are good story teller Noor
Thank you so much ๐
You look stunning, Noor! Also, these are the memories that make weddings memorable!
Thanks M! Yes they do ๐
I love Delhi and its very close to my heart. You look so pretty and good to know about your memories of the place and wedding.
Thank you for stopping by ๐
Delhi is a lively city and Delhiites are amazing people! Lovely Post:)
Delhi is a wonderful city and Delhiites know how to party๐
Lovely post!
Aww. You look so pretty.
Loved reading the memories you shared.
Indeed wedding special moments.
http://shaandaarjenie.com
Thank you ๐
You looked gorgeous in the sangit..It is interesting post..
Thank you ๐
I love reading your memoirs, can relate as I too have spent 8 years of my life there๐
Glad you like them Roma ๐
You look gorgeous in pics.. enjoyed reading your post..
Thank you!
You look gorgeous in that beautiful lehenga designed by your mom. And, that’s a typical Delhi wedding where the actual fun starts once everything else is over.
Hahha thatโs so true ๐
Big fat punjabi wedding, tell me about it. I was so happy when our’s was a hustle -bustle in an alien city like Pune without any shor and tamasha. But, honestly such memories are for lifetime. Love knowing you more and more in these tiny pieces of wonderful writing Noor.
Haha in hindsight, I wish Iโd had a smaller affair, but of course I loved every moment of it ๐
Thanks so much Dipika!
What an interesting post Noor…Delhi weddings are so much fun. One def has to attend one to know how much fun. Bizarre!
Hahaha yes they are quite crazy!
First, you look gorgeous Noor. By the end of the post I was grinning for your narration..loved it.
Thank you Pragnya ๐
I think thatโs the second post I have read for Delhi today and I just loved yours too as I loved the previous ones
Thank you for stopping by! Yes, Delhi is a popular destination and topic choice ๐
Woow! a wonderful post! I have never been there
Thanks for stopping by ๐
Hope you make it to Delhi some time!
I personally like Delhi for a variety of tasty tasty food choices. ๐๐
I personally like Delhi for all the tasty tasty food. ๐ I still remember the first time I tried the authentic golgappa.
Yes itโs really a foodieโs paradise!
You look beautiful and the post is an interesting description of how grand the Indian weddings are. I agree with you on how we begin to enjoy less loud moments more! ๐
Thank you ๐
Your noor took over the show, I love Delhi for food be it chaat, chole-bhature, naan, and lot more, and not to forget shopping and also as my first love where I grew up.
Yes Delhi is my first love too ๐
As much as enjoyed reading the article , i enjoyed the pictures too, you look beautiful. Delhi weddings are so much fun, i terribly miss them.
Thank you for stopping by ๐
Pre- wedding rituals are more fun because of such memories. The otherwise tired soul with all the running around finds the best moments in such events.
Yes definitely:)
Great post..u look exquisite and Sardar weddings have to go overboard ๐ #BlogchatterA2Z
Haha! Yes they do! Thanks for stopping by ๐
Wedding Anniverseries are not always as “Dhamaal” as this one… seems you guys had a great time… also you looking simply gorgeous like a newly wed bride. Mashallah!
Thank you so much for reading:)
You are looking very gorgeous! And it is also very interesting to read about Delhi. Loved the post and especially the talks about your wedding.
Thank you so much for appreciating:)
Your lehenga looks sooo gorgeous! ๐ I wish to have such a grand sangeet too! ๐ Btw, that trouble with hair pins is for real! ๐
Wow girl. First of all you are so beautiful. I am mesmerized by your beauty. And the way you have put up the story it deserves lots of accolades. Kudos
Thank you so much Nisha ๐
Indian weddings are surely filled with lots of stories and drama. By the end of the post i thought i was reading an interesting book. Great story.
Thank you ๐
You are looking like a fairytale. . So so gorgeous . Indian wedding are always fill with drama, beauty and fun. Can’t take my eyes on you.
Thank you Snigdha ๐
Such a fun story thatchas crested memories to laugh I lifetime. Can so relate to what you said over choosing a quite night over a drunken one
Thanks for stopping by ๐
Noor, you look very beautiful. And the functions with some moments to remember is always fun at later years.
Thank you ๐
OMG! I had to scroll down like forever to get my chance to comment!! ๐
North Indian weddings are really fun. Our south Indian ones are quiet, sedate affairs.
But of late we do tend to have the sangeet evenings!
Lovely write up!!
Awww thanks for taking the time to write a comment. It really means a lot to me ๐
I know how you feel. I feel the same every time my mail pings me to let me know of a new comment! ๐
Hahaha I loved reading this! Totally reminded me of Delhi weddings and my own wedding too! ๐
Glad you liked it ๐
Thanks for stopping by!
What a wonderful story. It’s always good to remember such times. You look stunning in the photos Noor.
Thank you Tina! Glad you liked it ๐
You look so beautiful Noor and love the post,I am a Delhi born too and my husband’s side is from mumbai. We too had a blast when they all came to Delhi for our wedding. reminded me of my days ๐
Iโm so glad you liked it Gunjan ๐
Thanks for stopping by!
Delhi is fun.Loved your wedding pics .They are giving us a glimpse into the fun you had
Thanks for stopping by ๐
hahah.. Thats perfect dilli ki Wedding /.. whats the fun unless someone goes home passed out
Hahhaa! So true ๐
Hey you were looking so beautiful and trust me I was feeling like reading an article about recent bollywood wedding…๐๐๐ I also heard good words about Delhi’s hospitality.
Thank you!
So glad you stopped by ๐
You look gorgeous. I loved your writing skills. Delhi is a lively place for sure and you beautifully described it.
Thank you so much for the appreciation ๐
Hilarious description of Punjabi wedding .. being a panju myself I can completely visualise the scene
So glad you liked it ๐