Coimbatore sankhyams

Certain things that a random visitor to a wedding ceremony in CBE should be aware of:

1. Thou shanst read Hindu paper in the hall - you will be seen like you are reading only the Obituary column in the wedding hall.
2. Thou shanst doze off in a corner seat in a hall - it will give an impression that you are sitting in a wrong hall. Most offensive.
3. All will call all as maapley or ponnu - you need to respond otherwise be ready to get fired.
4. You should be the most fittest even if you enter the hall at 4 in the morning (after getting up at 2 and bathing at 3). A slightest hint that you are sleepy and not active -- you will liable to get banished for major faux pas.
5. Thou shanst speak aloud - else will be seen as uncultured.

On the contrary - the following things will happen in Chennai weddings:

1. All mamas will have Hindu paper in their hand, sitting on a chair with one leg on the ground with chappal, the other crossed (with the corresponding chappal on ground). Visit a wedding to see in action!
2. Dozing off is natural, accepted (except for probably when firing akshadhai arisi is required for which, you will get the alarm bell in Natta Kurinji.
3. All will call all as Mama, mami, Sir or Madam.
4. It is okay to be at the time of muhurtham, eat and come back. Nobody cares whether you are in at the time when the priest enters.
5. All sorts of loud talk allowed, decibel level over and above Thavil & Nadhaswaram is appreciated.

Silly.