First party in US....grand success

Many times I answered with a smile whenever my colleagues asked about a party for different occasions in my life like engagement, marriage etc. I made up my mind in two ways, one is either a party should be a remembrance to everyone or it should be remembered and asked about.

I took enough time and I felt responsible to start one when my family grew up. I have to think not only about me but also about my wife and the family while deciding about the party that I am going to organize. Initially I hesitated to start the party because of the time constraint ( I have to complete this on sunday itself as it was the 29th day after her birth). I didn't find any occassion which can be celebrated here in US in the coming 8 to 10 months. I have been working in this project for the past 3 1/2 years both at offshore and onsite and so also most of my other colleagues . It took nearly half a day to decide whom I have to invite for the party. Finally I ended up with almost all whoever is here, and it turned out around 75 people ( 95 including kids ). The happiest part for me was the response that I got from all. I have seen the responses for my invitation very quickly. This also could be because none of them had other plans during this weekend, but I was very happy the way my colleagues turned up to the party.

I was little bit worried about my daughter thinking whether she would cooperate or not, since she is hardly 28days old. I was not sure how she will respond to the new environment outside home. But she was very cooperative sleeping all the time during the party. As discussed with my father-in-law, mother-in-law, my mother and wife we planned what we should do as part of the CRADLE CEREMONY ( Though we included the naming ceremony too in it). I remember my mother and father doing different rituals for different occassions. I liked the way those rituals went with vedic mantras. I didn't want that to be too lengthy to bore the guests. We made it short by working together at home and chalked out what should be done. In very few occassions only I have seen the reflection of indian culture out of the occasions that I attended. I wanted to bring that feel to everybody and see this as different one.

Though it will take some time to know about the actual comments about this, but I have seen the good response from all and felt happy. Only thing that I didn't concentrated was on kids enjoyment, since I never experienced hosting a party with families I couldn't make anything special for them.Though I am not very happy with the decoration but I made an effort to decorate the hall ( main stage ) and I felt it is OK with the amount of time that I had. I realized later how better I can do it. This will be helpful as an experience for me.

Though the unhappiness from office environment carried into the party but while enjoying the party everyone enjoyed as a GROUP. I apologize for the delay that was there between appetizer and main coarse servings, I heard from most of the guests that they enjoyed that delay too because the food was very good and they loved to wait for sometime to take a break and to spend sometime chitchatting with friends. I thank each and everyone who attended and made this event successful. We ( me and my family ) enjoyed each and everyone's company there and we had a great time in meeting all friends along with their families and I hope they felt the same.

Few pictures....

http://picasaweb.google.com/thirumalaraon/CradleCeremonyAnanya?authkey=ASsODp1XCVw