On October 7, 2021, my heart swelled with a kind of joy that only a parent can know. It was the day my son, Judhajit, took a monumental step toward his future, getting engaged to the radiant and wonderful Tania. The air at The Royal Retreat in Ranchi buzzed with anticipation, love, and the vibrant hum of celebration. Friends and family from Dumka, Kolkata, New Delhi, and corners of India far beyond gathered to weave a tapestry of memories that would mark the beginning of a beautiful journey. As I reflect on that day, I’m filled with gratitude, nostalgia, and an overwhelming sense of pride for the love and traditions that brought us together.

A Celebration Rooted in Bengali Heritage

Bengali weddings are more than events—they’re symphonies of culture, tradition, and family. Every ritual, every gesture, carries centuries of meaning, binding not just two people but two families in a sacred union. Our celebration was no exception, a vibrant showcase of Bengali customs that felt like a love letter to our heritage. From the Aashirwaad ceremony to the ring exchange, each moment was steeped in symbolism, reminding us of the values that have shaped us and the promises we make for the future.

The day was a whirlwind of emotions, but it was also a testament to the meticulous planning that went into making it unforgettable. For two weeks, we poured our hearts into every detail—choosing the venue, coordinating with loved ones travelling from afar, and ensuring every tradition was honoured. The Royal Retreat, with its elegant ambience, became the perfect backdrop for a day that felt like a dream.

The Aashirwaad Ceremony: A Shower of Blessings

The heart of the day was the Aashirwaad ceremony, a ritual that holds deep significance in Bengali weddings. It’s the moment when families formally embrace the union, showering the couple with blessings for a life of love and harmony. We chose to hold this ceremony in Ranchi, ahead of the wedding festivities planned for Dumka, as a way to bring everyone together in a moment of unity.

Watching Judhajit and Tania stand before our elders, I felt a lump in my throat. The elders placed rice grains and Durba (sacred grass) on their heads, a gesture symbolising prosperity and purity. Sweets were exchanged, gifts were given, and the room seemed to glow with the warmth of familial love. It was as if the universe itself was pausing to bless this union, and I couldn’t help but feel that Judhajit and Tania were embarking on something truly sacred.

The Ring Ceremony: A Modern Touch of Joy

While the Aashirwaad was steeped in tradition, we added a modern flourish with a ring ceremony. Though not a mandatory part of Bengali weddings, the exchange of rings brought an extra layer of joy to the day. Judhajit and Tania, surrounded by the laughter and cheers of friends and family, slipped rings onto each other’s fingers. Their smiles were infectious, their love palpable. It was a moment of pure, unfiltered happiness, a reminder that love can bridge the old and the new, tradition and modernity.

You can catch a glimpse of that joy in the video we shared: Judhajit and Tania’s Ring Ceremony. Watching it now, I’m transported back to the laughter, the clapping, and the overwhelming sense of togetherness that defined that moment.

A Feast for the Senses: Cake, Cuisine, and Celebration

As the evening unfolded, the celebration took on a life of its own. A magnificent multi-tiered cake stood as the centrepiece of the evening, and when Judhajit and Tania cut into it, the room erupted in applause. The reception that followed was a feast for the senses—delicious cuisine, lively music, and the warm glow of connection as guests mingled and shared stories. From the colleagues and seniors of Judhajit at Medica Superspecialty Hospital to Tania’s grandmother, who beamed with pride, every person added their own thread to the tapestry of the day.

I found myself stealing moments to soak it all in—laughing with my friends Aranjit, Satyabrata, and Tapas; watching Judhajit’s college classmates share old stories; and feeling honoured when the Speaker of Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha arrived to bless the couple. Each interaction was a reminder of how lucky we are to be surrounded by such a vibrant, loving community.

The joy of the evening is beautifully captured in this video: Judhajit and Tania’s Engagement Celebration. It’s a treasure trove of memories, from the cake-cutting to the heartfelt conversations that filled the night.

Gratitude and Lessons Learned

As the night drew to a close and we said goodbye to our guests, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. This day wasn’t just about Judhajit and Tania—it was about the countless hands that came together to make it possible. Friends who travelled miles, family who offered their time and love, and even strangers who became part of our story through their warmth and generosity. Their support turned a vision into reality, and I’ll forever be thankful for their presence in our lives.

Reflecting on the day, I realise it taught me so much. It reminded me of the power of community, the beauty of tradition, and the importance of celebrating love in all its forms. As we look ahead to the wedding in Dumka and the Reception in Ranchi, I carry these lessons with me, along with the anticipation of watching Judhajit and Tania build a life together.

A New Chapter Begins

The Aashirwaad-cum-engagement ceremony was more than a celebration—it was a promise. A promise of love, of family, and of honouring the traditions that have shaped us. As I watched Judhajit and Tania stand side by side, I saw not just my son and his would-be wife, but a future filled with possibility. They are the next chapter of our family’s story, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.

To Tania, I want to say: Welcome to our family. You’ve brought light and love into our lives, and we’re so grateful to have you. To Judhajit, my heart is full knowing you’ve found a partner who matches your spirit and strength. Together, you are unstoppable.

As we move toward the wedding, I hold these memories close, knowing they’re just the beginning. Here’s to love, to tradition, and to the beautiful journey ahead.

May Judhajit and Tania’s bond grow stronger with every passing day, and may our family continue to weave stories of joy and togetherness for years to come.