Event Recap: Disputed Tam Bram Wedding Ceremony Held in Washington
Translation of books penned in Indian vernacular languages into English experiences a surge, with Ratna Books' recent publication, A Wedding in Washington, being a significant addition to the genre. Written by Savi and translated by Nandini Vijayaraghavan from the original Tamil comic classic Washingtonil Thirumanam, the book delights readers with its wit and humor.
First published as a serial in the popular Tamil weekly Ananda Vikatan in the 1960s, Washingtonil Thirumanam offers a humorous take on a traditional Tamil Brahmin wedding set in the then unusual location of Washington D.C. Author Savi amused readers week after week with his use of humor and satire, and the intricate Sambandhi Sanday, the much-anticipated petty quarrels between the bride and groom factions that are essential for any wedding, is a highlight. Fictional sponsorship by the Rockefeller family adds to the comic potential.
Translating the book has presented considerable challenges for translator Nandini Vijayaraghavan, who boasts an impressive resume of rendering literary Tamil classics such as Kalki's Sivakamiyin Sabadham (Sivakami's Vow) and Parthiban Kanavu (Parthiban's Dream), into English. The subtle nuances of Tamil Brahmin speech, replete with Sanskrit inflections, aphorisms, idioms, colloquialisms, and word-play that characterized everyday conversation are not easily replicable in another language. However, Vijayaraghavan skillfully avoids attempting to immerse the reader in the insular, ritualistic world of TamBrams during conversations, instead opting for a straightforward narrative approach — a choice that allows readers to enjoy the novel as a first-time comic reading experience in English.
While the translation may be less captivating for Tamil individuals well-versed in the original masterpiece, the English rendition extends the book's readership to English-speaking Indians, including Pakistanis, and foreigners. The inclusion of Americans and their capital city enhances the enjoyment of the unlikely scenario. Today, destination weddings are common and Indian marriages with Americans or Europeans are not infrequent. The homogenization and universalization of these wedding ceremonies erode the distinctiveness of a marriage as described in A Wedding in Washington. Thus, the meticulous guidance provided by Vijayaraghan through every aspect of a Tam Bram wedding ceremony offers readers an opportunity to rediscover the uniqueness of weddings.
A detailed glossary of terms and translations of food items is provided for the benefit of the unfamiliar reader. Illustrations by the late maestro Gopulu, which brought the comic’s narrative to life, have been retained, enhancing the overall experience for the reader.
By Savi, Translated by Nandini Vijayaraghavan; Publisher: Ratna Books; Price: Rs 560; Pages: 192
Reading the illustrated English rendition of A Wedding in Washington, one can immerse themselves in the unique lifestyle and gastronomy of a Tam Bram wedding. The book, meticulously translated by Nandini Vijayaraghavan, not only offers a comical take on food-and-drink traditions but also provides insight into home-and-garden practices during these ceremonies.
