In Delhi’s Chawri Bazar, three brothers wait with their mares for a midnight wedding procession, part of their seasonal work during winter weddings
Brothers Prepare for Wedding Procession in Delhi
It is nearing midnight in the cold, polluted air of Delhi’s Walled City, specifically in Chawri Bazar. The last boiled egg stalls are closing down. Many laborers who work and live in the area are lying along the dark market corridors, wrapped in blankets. In one spot, two white mares stand face to face. Three young men sit cross-legged on the pavement, quietly watching the market street.
Meet the Brothers
Shahnawaz, Saddam, and Kamil are brothers. They call themselves “ghori wale,” meaning they own the two mares behind them. Each winter, during wedding season, the brothers stay busy every night. Their mares are booked to carry the groom during wedding processions.
Waiting for the Wedding
Currently, the brothers are waiting for tonight’s assignment. They expect the “dulha” to arrive with his “baraat” after midnight. Meanwhile, they enjoy aloo parathas from a street stall. One brother mentions they will have a more filling dinner at the wedding buffet, which they hope will include mutton korma and chicken biryani.
Journey to Chawri Bazar
The boys live with their parents in Seelampur, northeast Delhi, across the Yamuna River. They rode their mares to Chawri Bazar, which took about two hours. One brother explains, “We came very slowly, kadam kadam, stopping frequently so that our ghoriyan didn’t get tired.”
About the Mares
Another brother introduces the mares, saying, “Her name is Bachhi, her name is Bachewali.”
Family Background
The boys’ father runs a biryani cart in Seelampur, while their mother manages the household. In summer, when weddings are less frequent, the brothers find other work, like operating a snack cart or running a battery rickshaw.
Education and Future Plans
“We could not attend school due to conditions at home,” one brother says when asked about their education. They expect to return home early in the morning. After feeding the tired mares with “channa, gur, bhoosa,” and water, they will finally go to sleep.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Chawri Bazar, Delhi |
| Brothers’ Names | Shahnawaz, Saddam, Kamil |
| Mares’ Names | Bachhi, Bachewali |
| Travel Time | About 2 hours |
| Expected Dinner | Mutton korma, chicken biryani |
| Father’s Job | Biryani cart operator |
| Mother’s Role | Household manager |
