THE SPECIAL fully air-conditioned train carrying the ‘baraat’ procession of Lalitpur (Uttar Pradesh) Member of Parliament Sujan Singh Bundela’s son Shashi Bhushan - Bundela Express- arrived to a riotous welcome here on Tuesday morning.
Thousands of curious onlookers crowded the railway station to sneak a peek as the train disgorged its occupants numbering nearly 2,000.
The baraatis were given a royal welcome in true Malwa tradition before being escorted to the hotels and guesthouses by a contingent of armed bodyguards in jeeps and on motorcycles.
Union Minister Kantilal Bhuria, former MP Gajendra Singh Rajukhedi and Dhar district Congress chief Mujeeb Qureshi were among those who constituted the ‘baraat’.
More than 200 cars and 50 buses were lined up outside the station to greet the ‘baraatis’ who were treated to a dance by folk artistes as the cavalcade was taken to Mangal Regency. Fronting the cavalcade was a bunch of gun-toting youths astride motorcycles.
Dancing alongside to the tune of various folk instruments were tribal artistes. Huge floral gates and more than 100 banners welcoming the bridegroom’s entourage strung en route from the station to the Residency added to the festive flavour.
In all nearly 15,000 guests are expected to attend the wedding to be held at the IDA plot opposite Sayaji Hotel later in the evening.
In all nearly 15,000 guests are expected to attend the wedding to be held at the IDA plot opposite Sayaji Hotel later in the evening.