Traditional weddings keep newcomers connected to their culture

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This article was published 15/07/2024 (441 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brandon witnessed a vibrant display of cultural heritage last weekend as two couples — one Nigerian and one Indian — celebrated their traditional weddings.

The events were a colourful fusion of rituals, traditional attire, and heartfelt ceremonies that brought the essence of Nigeria and India to the Wheat City. The festivities also demonstrated how those from other countries work to stay connected with the cultures of their home countries, as they add diversity to Brandon.

Peter and Tomi Omotayo, a Nigerian couple from the southwestern Yoruba tribe, showcased their rich cultural heritage through a series of traditional rites and vibrant attire at 1037 Lorne Ave.

The groom, Peter, wore a blue-coloured agbada (a traditional gown) with a matching cap, while Tomi dazzled in a blue-coloured blouse, wrapper, and headgear, embodying the elegance of her traditional bridal wear.

A Nigerian traditional wedding coordinator, Damilola Balogun, highlighted the significance of the traditional marriage ceremony.

“The traditional marriage is ancient and deeply rooted in our culture,” she told the Sun. “It’s a vital step before the white wedding or court wedding, symbolizing the union of both families and the payment of the bride price.”

Balogun, who has orchestrated traditional weddings in Nigeria for years, was thrilled to bring this celebration to Canada.

“It’s beautiful to see people embrace their culture even in a foreign land. Today was a joyous occasion, and I hope it sets a precedent for more such celebrations,” she said.

The significance of the venue was not lost on anyone. The Nigerian wedding marked the first ceremony in over 20 years at the former First Baptist Church, now the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

Pastor in charge Festus Eretan expressed his gratitude, noting the historical value of the building. “We are excited to host the wedding, after about 20 years the former owner of the historic building vacated the facility,” he said.

“These traditional weddings bring a lot of diversity and vibrancy to our community.”– Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett

Divyaraj Mahida and Natisha Chaudhry’s Indian wedding, held in the Gujarati tradition, was equally captivating.

The couple, dressed in traditional yellow shirts and white pants, followed a series of rituals that infused their celebration with spiritual significance and joy at 1 Camryn Lane.

Groom’s family representative Digbijay Vaghela provided insight into the ceremonial proceedings.

“We started with the Mandava Muharat, a gesture to welcome family members. Next was the Haldi ritual, where a turmeric paste is applied to purify the bride and groom,” he told the Sun. “This was followed by the Grah Shanti, a prayer ceremony to create positive vibes before the marriage. The festivities continued with the Garba, a traditional dance that brought everyone together in celebration.”

For both couples, the traditional ceremonies were a testament to their commitment to preserving their cultural identities.

“This is the happiest day of my life,” Peter Ariyo expressed. Tomi added, “We wanted to showcase our Nigerian heritage here and inspire others to do the same.”

Peter and Tomi shared their story of how they met at the Redeemed Christian Church of God Restoration Parish located at 1037 Lorne Ave.

“We met on Valentine’s Day in 2023,” Tomi recalled. “I was exchanging gifts with friends, and Peter caught my attention.” Peter added, “It was an unforgettable day. This is the happiest day of my life.”

Divyaraj Mahida shared his thoughts on the significance of their Gujarati wedding rituals. “These traditions are not just ceremonies; they are a way to honour our ancestors and keep our cultural roots alive,” he told the Sun, “Celebrating our wedding here in Brandon allows us to stay connected to our heritage while building a future together.”

Divyaraj and Natasha also shared their story of how they met.

“We met while attending Brandon University together,” Natasha said. “Our shared interests and values brought us closer, and our bond grew stronger over time.” Divyaraj added, “Meeting Natisha was a turning point in my life. We knew early on that we wanted to spend our lives together.”

Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett shared his thoughts on the traditional weddings held in Brandon, emphasizing the positive impact of cultural diversity on the community.

“These traditional weddings bring a lot of diversity and vibrancy to our community,” he told the Sun on Sunday. “You can live a very good life here while keeping all your traditions and maintaining that sense of self from where you come from.”

Reflecting on the trend of people not needing to return to their countries of origin for traditional events, Fawcett acknowledged that Brandon’s growing and diverse population makes it possible to celebrate locally.

He added that there is a large number of diverse people in Brandon that traditional events don’t need to be held in places like Winnipeg or Toronto.

“Sharing that with your neighbours and the community is important,” he remarked, adding that cultural sharing through food and other means contributes to the lively and vibrant atmosphere of the city.

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