LONDON: The fairytale wedding of Prince William with his long-time girlfriend Kate Middleton was celebrated all over the UK today but the 'street party' at the Clarence Street in Southall, where Kate's grandfather once lived, was special as it was celebrated in typical Punjabi style with Bhangra dance and folk music. While the wedding proper at the historic Westminster Abbey was shown on the big screen set up near a stage at the Clarence Street in Southall, there were typical scenes of Band Baja, Bhangra and Doli organised by Virendra Sharma, NRI Labour MP . Southall, primarily a South Asian residential district, also known as "Little India". Local businesses including TKC's Restaurant and Chandni Chowk Restaurant owned by leading NRI hotelier Baljit Komal helped to sponsor the food, drink and festivities. Sharma said, "As Kate Middleton's grandfather lived in Clarence Street, Southall, it seemed a great idea to hold a street party in celebration of the Royal Wedding there. " Southall residents are proud of their connection with the newest member of the Royal family. It is a great day for everyone involved."
He suggested organising similar parties for celebrating various occasions including Eid and Diwali.
Sharma and Mayor of Ealing Rajindra Singh Mann jointly cut a huge cake to celebrate the royal wedding. The cake had sketches of Kate and William on top. Councillor Julian Bell said, "This is a fantastic celebration for the people of Clarence Street. Besides the big screen for the people to watch the wedding, people enjoyed the mock Indian Wedding organised on the occasion. It was a nice way to celebrate the wedding and the streets connection with Kate Middleton's family." As the royal wedding commenced, more than four thousand people from Southalljoined the party, enjoying the music, food and dance. There were enchanting scenes as women danced through the streets carrying pots (gaggar) decorated with candles and singing 'jaago' songs. Jaago literally means "wake up". The ladies dance which started from 57 Clarence Street, finished at the stage, set up about 200 metres away. Then came the Bharaat, comprising the immediate family and friends of the "groom". The "groom" arrived on a horse back with band baaja, dhol and asli bahara Punjab diyan performing bhangra in front of the groom. Rose petals were laid out leading the path. An hour later, the bride departed from her parent's house in a Doli to the groom's house.
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