Arrived in Pachora (PA-chora) in the early morning Tuesday with Saurabh. About 6 hours from Mumbai via train, Pachora is where most of Saurabh’s father’s family lives. Before the actual wedding ceremony takes place (on Friday), a number of smaller things need to take place with each of the bride and the groom’s families. We are staying at the house of one of Saurabh’s uncles, and everyone so far has been nothing but kind and generous. (The only downside is that very few people here speak English..!)
The bed I stayed in. So generous, I can’t even explain.
Amrita having mendhi done on her hands!
Aunish!
They do these sand designs in front of the house every day! There are of course more detail and color for special occasions!
1-day-old mendhi. It gets a little darker the next day.
1-hour-old mendhi!
Beautiful!
Saurabh’s mom, aka my Indian mom. I think she is so pretty!
Rani’s mom
The women all gathered in the side yard, singing and playing wedding-related games. They were divided into teams based on the colored ribbons.
The auntie that I stayed with. She was also a judge/score keeper for the games. :)
A cow watching us. Remember that cows are sacred in India (thus the term Holy Cow!), so they’re pretty much allowed to do what they want.
Saurabh’s mom and sister Yamini. They match!
Saurabh matches too!
(Outfit #1 of seemingly hundreds…)
<3!
One of the teams of ladies dancing!
Mamta and Amrita acting something out.
(Hope I got their names right!)
One of the aunties having a microphone shoved in front of her to sing, lol.
I think she has the best smile of the group!
Shruti!
Bollywood shot
Visiting Saurabh’s grandpa’s village (about 10 km away)
Saurabh’s uncle’s house, decorated for the wedding and festivities. :)
The women singing and dancing around Saurabh. Didn’t really understand what they were saying, but it was still a lot of fun!
-S
Stay See Picks 
