Editorial June 2012

June 2012

Dear Readers,

It is happy time again – it is time for weddings! I have mentioned time and again in this column that weddings are very exciting for me. It is not just a time for extravagant celebrations and all night parties, but rather, weddings signify new beginnings, new hopes, and commitments for a longer, happy married life. It is this commitment that leads to a nobler act, one that Homer, the ancient Greek poet, talked about so many years
ago:

“There is nothing nobler or more admirable than
when two people who see eye to eye
keep house as man and wife,
confounding their enemies and delighting their friends.”

When a husband and wife work toward that commitment, they attain harmony. The type of harmony our ancient scripture Atharva Veda discussed over 5,000 years ago:

“I am this, thou art she;
I am song, thou art verse;
I am Heaven, thou art Earth;
We two together shall live here,
Becoming parents of children.”

In this wedding issue, learn more about some real life couples and their wedding planning. Also, be sure to check out two important wedding-related articles regarding the importance of mehndi and traditional Indian wedding rituals.

We just finished two record breaking bridal shows, one in Atlanta and the other in Fort Lauderdale. On behalf of the Desh-Videsh team, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the brides, grooms and families who attended, and more importantly, all the vendors who have been supporting us over the years. Check out all those gorgeous models wearing the latest saris on this month’s cover. The designs are from one of our fashion show sponsors, Rupees Inc., and the models are posing in a mandap created by Shuhag Gardens.

Congratualtions to the winners of the Mehndi Competitions at the Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale Bridal Expos! Learn more about the two multi-talented young artists, Nirjary Desai and Amber Emkin.

Having said that, please look for the announcement of our Orlando Bridal Expo on September 23. In keeping with tradition, we will be adding a few more new ideas to this show.

Last but not least, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone who called and emailed after reading my column about my victory over cancer.

Raj Shah
Managing Editor
Desh-Videsh