Small Story 516.

Small Story 516. Tradition Won’t Change Subbu was thrilled to attend the marriage of his friend Mani’s son. The wedding venue was beautifully arranged—more like a resort—surrounded by nature and filled with a pleasant, peaceful ambience. Elders gathered around to bless the young couple, creating a truly auspicious atmosphere. Mani’s son Vishnu worked in the US as a Project Manager at the leading IT giant Microsoft, and the bride was also employed at the same place. Despite their modern lifestyles, the wedding was conducted in a deeply traditional manner. Breakfast and lunch were served generously to more than 350 guests. Subbu felt happy and proud of his friend Mani’s broad-mindedness and warm, inviting nature. Vishnu, too, seemed to have inherited these qualities from his father. Mani’s wife, Smitha, looked graceful as she personally welcomed guests from both the groom’s and the bride’s families. Subbu was especially impressed by the meticulous arrangements and the traditional chanting of mantras conducted by Murthy, the priest. Subbu had always admired Mani’s hospitality—it had grown steadily since their younger days and continued even now. Although Subbu’s wife could not attend due to ill health, she watched the wedding proceedings through video and felt happy hearing the sacred mantras. After returning from the wedding, Subbu softly whispered to himself, “South Indian marriages are truly special—the real attraction is the mantras.” K.Ragavan 9-2-26