Zindabad - Red Baraat
from the album Bhangra Pirates (2017) Weddings are the most joyous ritual in almost any culture. They bring families and communities together to celebrate their mutual continuation. Could there be a happier event? I have had the privilege of attending Christian, Hindu, and Jewish ceremonies - big and small - from giant mafia weddings to quiet justice of the peace affairs. All are beautiful. All are fun. I think about that Jewish wedding, a few thousand years ago, when someone said, "Jesus Christ, there is no alcohol at this shindig," to which everyone's favorite radical cleric converted the water into wine. People must have been psyched beyond belief. Red Baraat are a marvelous party band from Brooklyn. Their name combines the most festive of colors with the Hindu ritual of the baraat, in which the groom leads a large processional of family, friends, dancers, musicians, and even fireworks to the wedding venue while riding a mare. What a way to kick off a pa