Pomp as Sudhir’s daughter is ‘sent off’
The couple, Meera (L) and Ravi. NET PHOTO
What you need to know:
Meera Ruparelia, 27, is Sudhir’s first daughter. She will be getting married to Ravi Kotecha, a businessman who apparently is from a wealthy Asian-Kenyan family.
By the end of this month, Ugandan billionaire Sudhir Ruparelia will have his fortune less by $2m (about 5 billion) spent on the wedding of his daughter Meera Ruparelia to Ravi Kotecha in the UK. The 900 guest list comprises of prominent politicians, the business fraternity, royals and diplomats.
The event
This mother of all relationships saw Kampala being treated to an Indian family send-off at Speke Resort Munyonyo last Saturday. Gifts, hugs, arm wrestles, candles – were crowned by feasting and wining.
The dress code comprised of Indian, Tooro, Ganda in stiff competition with English style. Different Indian gods were pushed on decorous trolleys to the arena.
Speaking at the event, Sudhir reportedly asked his son-in-law to “pamper” Meera. “There are days I sneak away from her mother to pamper her and her siblings with some shopping spree,” the billionaire said.
Talk about pampering and come November 30. The venue is the Grosvenor Hotel in London, Mayfair - which has been a preserve for the well heeled and affluent.
Talking about the famed Mayfair, a returnee from UK, Jerry Mulumba, is tongue-tied.
“This is the playground of David Beckham, Elton John, Guy Richie, Angelique Kidjo, Madonna,” recounts Mulumba with nostalgia. “A tip there means £100 (about Shs 400,000).”
“What do you expect from the likes of Robbie Williams and Alex Ferguson?” he asks in rhetoric.
On the wedding day, such resident big shots, if not invited, will have to relocate as the premise will be booked to capacity. Luganda, Hindi, saris and Kiswahili will be in vogue on that treasured London address.
Other functions
This will be followed by a Hindu function for five days in Kampala, starting on Valentine’s Day February 14, 2014.
The Hindu wedding ceremony is traditionally conducted entirely, or at least partially in Sanskrit, considered by Hindus as the language of holy ceremonies.
The local language of the people involved is also used.
The Hindus attach a lot of importance to marriages. The ceremonies are very colourful, and celebrations may extend for several days. The bride’s and groom’s home - entrance, doors, wall, floor, roof - are sometimes decorated with colours, balloons and other decorations.
