May 3, 2025, marked a beautiful milestone in our journey together—our third wedding anniversary. As I sit down to reflect on the day, my heart is brimming with gratitude for the love, warmth, and joy that filled every moment. What made this celebration truly special was the presence of family, the sanctity of sacred rituals, and the simple yet profound happiness of being together. Here’s a detailed recounting of our unforgettable day, one that will remain etched in our hearts forever.

The Morning: A Busy Start with Family Preparations

The day began with the usual rhythm of life, but with an undercurrent of excitement. We had planned a special evening to celebrate our anniversary, and the anticipation was palpable. Our dear friends-cum-family members, Sudarshan da and his family, were travelling from Patna to join us. They had missed our wedding ceremony three years ago, and their presence this time was a heartfelt gesture that added so much meaning to the occasion. They were expected to arrive by road in the afternoon, giving us just enough time to prepare.

I headed to my clinic in the morning, tending to my patients while stealing moments to daydream about the evening ahead. My father, ever the pillar of support, took charge of the morning’s errands. He went shopping for essentials—flowers, sweets, and mutton. However, his day took a somber turn when he had to attend the funeral of his friend’s father at Harmu Muktidham. It was a reminder of life’s fleeting nature, and it made me even more determined to cherish every second of our celebration later that day. Dad returned home just before dusk, weary but ready to join in the festivities.

By 3 PM, Sudarshan da, his wife, and their son arrived at our home in Ranchi. Their warm smiles and heartfelt congratulations instantly lifted the mood. Their little son, a bundle of energy, was thrilled to be here, and his excitement was contagious. We spent some time catching up, laughing over old memories, and sharing stories of the years gone by. The house felt alive with the chatter of family and the promise of a beautiful evening.

The Evening: A Spiritual Start at Kali Mandir

After the sun set, we decided to kick off our anniversary celebrations with a visit to the iconic Kali Mandir on Main Road, Ranchi. This 200-year-old temple is a cornerstone of the city’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The sanctum houses an unbroken lamp that has been burning for over a century, a symbol of resilience and devotion. The temple is especially vibrant during Kali Puja, but even on an ordinary day, it exudes a serene yet powerful energy.

We arrived at the temple dressed in our finest, carrying offerings of flowers and sweets. The air was thick with the fragrance of incense. Together, we offered our prayers to Maa Kali, seeking her blessings for our marriage and the years ahead. In a special moment, we had our rings blessed by the priest, a ritual that felt deeply symbolic. These rings, which we would exchange later that night, carried not just our love but the divine blessings of this sacred space.

The temple visit was a grounding experience, reminding us of the spiritual foundation of our bond. Sudarshan da and his family joined us in the prayers, and their son, wide-eyed and curious, soaked in the temple’s ambiance. It was a moment of unity, where our past, present, and future seemed to converge in gratitude.

A Quick Stop at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

From Kali Mandir, we made a short walk to the nearby Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, another revered site on Main Road. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple is known for its peaceful aura and the belief that prayers offered here can remove obstacles. We bowed our heads in reverence, praying for strength, harmony, and the removal of any challenges in our journey together. We offered garlands and sweets. The temple’s simplicity and the soft glow of oil lamps created a calming contrast to the excitement of the day.

This brief visit was a reminder of the balance we strive for in our marriage—drawing strength from faith while embracing the joys of life. With our hearts full, we piled into our cars and set off for the next part of our celebration.

The Celebration: A Joyous Evening at Punjabi Haveli Dhaba

For the main event, we drove along National Highway 20, crossing the Tropic of Cancer—a quirky milestone that added a touch of adventure to our evening. Our destination was Punjabi Haveli Dhaba in Ukrid, a popular spot known for its vibrant ambience, delicious food, and sprawling garden.

We arrived at the dhaba to find it buzzing with energy. The open-air seating, adorned with fairy lights and rustic decor, set the perfect mood for our celebration. At the centre of it all were our anniversary cakes—two beautiful creations, one chocolate and one vanilla, adorned with delicate icing that read “Happy 3rd Anniversary.”

The highlight of the evening was the garland and ring exchanges. Under the starlit sky, surrounded by our loved ones, we slipped the blessed rings onto each other’s fingers after we exchanged our garlands. It was a moment of quiet intimacy amid the festive chaos, a reaffirmation of the vows we made three years ago. The applause and cheers from our family made it even more memorable.

Next came the cake-cutting, a joyful ritual that had everyone gathered around. The cakes were delicious, and the sweetness lingered as we shared slices with everyone, including some curious onlookers at nearby tables.

Dinner followed, and Punjabi Haveli did not disappoint. We feasted on a spread of North Indian delights—paneer tikka, butter chicken, dal makhani, and an array of naans and rotis, all washed down with refreshing masala cold drinks. The dhaba’s garden was a paradise for Sudarshan da’s son, who ran around playing with rides. His laughter echoed through the night, a reminder of the pure, unfiltered joy that children bring to such occasions.

Losing Track of Time: A Night to Remember

As we ate, talked, and laughed, time slipped away. The conversation flowed effortlessly, from nostalgic memories of our wedding to dreams for the future. The cool night breeze added to the magic of the moment.

It wasn’t until we glanced at our watches that we realised midnight had come and gone. The realisation brought a mix of surprise and delight—we had been so immersed in the joy of togetherness that hours had passed like minutes. Reluctantly, we wrapped up the evening, thanking the dhaba staff for their warmth and hospitality.

We reached home past 1 AM, tired but fulfilled. The house, still adorned with flowers and lights, felt like a sanctuary of love. As we bid goodnight to our guests and settled in, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. Our third anniversary wasn’t just a celebration of our marriage but a testament to the strength of family, the power of faith, and the beauty of shared moments.

A Poem of Love & Blessings from My Parents

I am quoting here the nice poem jotted by my dad on our wedding anniversary:

To Babai (Judhajit) and Chhutki (Tania), on this day we hold dear,

Three years have flown by, banishing every fear.
Your love, a bright flame, continues to glow and to gleam,
A beautiful partnership, a wonderful, cherished dream.

We watched as your journey so sweetly began,
Two spirits united, a wonderful plan.
And now, looking back at the moments you’ve shared,
A garden of memories, lovingly, tenderly cared.

Through laughter that echoes, and quiet, soft sighs,
The strength of your union beautifully lies.
In kindness and patience, in all that you give,
A love that inspires, the reason you thrive and you live.

May each coming year bring you closer and still,
With moments of wonder your hearts will fulfill.
May your bond be a shelter, a comfort so true,
And may happiness always encircle you two.

So raise up your glasses, let joy overflow,
For the love that you nurture continues to grow.
Happy third anniversary, dear Babai and Tan,
May your beautiful story forever and ever span.

From: Mumma and Baba

A Reflection: Three Years and Counting

Looking back on May 3, 2025, I’m reminded of how far we’ve come in three years. Marriage is a journey of growth, compromise, and unwavering love, and this celebration encapsulated all of that. From the sacred blessings at Kali Mandir and Hanuman Temple to the joyous chaos of Punjabi Haveli Dhaba, every moment was a thread in the tapestry of our love story.

Sudarshan da and his family brought warmth and nostalgia, reminding us of the bonds that transcend distance. My parents’ presence was a grounding force, a reminder of the roots that keep us steady. And through it all, my loving wife, Tania, and I stood hand in hand, grateful for each other and the life we’re building together.

Here’s to three years of love, laughter, and lessons—and to many more anniversaries filled with the same magic. May our rings, blessed by Maa Kali, continue to symbolise a bond that grows stronger with every passing day.