Sona And The Wedding Game

I came across this beautiful picture book on Indian weddings that goes beyond tokenism and highlights the grandeur of the occasion. It is the story of Sona, a girl who is not very familiar with the traditions of the wedding. Her elder sister is tying the knot and Sona has been tasked with stealing the groom’s shoes, a popular wedding game in Hindu weddings.

The illustrations are beautiful and the care for detail is obvious. I especially liked that many women in the book are seen wearing the sari the Gujarati way (the author traces her roots to the state of Gujarat in India), where the ‘pallu’ or the loose end of the saree rests over the right shoulder and comes to the front.

The author’s note tells us more about Hindu weddings and should not be missed. If you have students who come from northern or western India, this book will really make them feel seen and their customs appreciated.