A Wedding With a Difference
PRASAD RIDES WHITE HORSE TO MEET BRIDE
AAfter that I told her family that I will return on this same horse, but as a bridegroom. Avnil Prasad Groom
vnil Prasad scored a first when he used a Ghodi (white horse), to take him from Doidoi Settlement, Seaqaqa in Macuata Province to the venue of his wedding ceremony last weekend.
This is a common phase of the wedding tradition practised in India, but rarely in Fiji because people prefer to use decorated motor vehicles.
The livestock and yaqona farmer rode on the horse about one kilometre from his house to the bride’s home.
He was accompanied by 50 guests who walked behind him to the venue.
He has been riding on this horse named Northern Bullet since the age of eight and the two have also participated the horse races organised by the Bua Horse Racing Association at Lekutu.
“Three years ago, I went to my wife’s place for some business purpose and that was the first time I saw her while I was riding on the horse,” Mr Prasad said with laughter.
“After that I told her family that I will return on this same horse, but as a bridegroom.”
The 27-year-old said his wife, Shinal Prasad thought he was joking because three years was a very long time for her.
“I value my culture and tradition and thought of creating a history by being the first in the family and settlement to use a horse as transport to a wedding venue,” he said. “My eldest sister, Swastika Shaleshni, her husband, Roneel and my brother Ashneel were supportive and I thank everyone who helped in my wedding.”
There were some negative remarks, but to him all that concerned was to fulfill his promise to his lover.