Sehwag ties the knot

Amid much media attention and under a massive downpour Virender Sehwag got married to Aarti, the woman to whom he had dedicated his history-making 309 at Multan. The wedding took place at the residence of Arun Jaitley, the union law minister, in Delhi on Thursday.

The function was conducted in a traditional manner, and a grand reception is planned for Saturday, April 24. In close attendance on the day of the wedding were family members, Jagmohan Dalmiya, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Ashish Nehra, and several members of the Delhi Ranji Trophy team. Also present were several leading politicians from various parties.

On Ashoka Road, where the Jaitley residence is located, a big crowd of curious onlookers gathered. However, tight security at the gates meant that no-one was able to enter the premises without an invitation. A large media contingent, which included a number of television channels, was also waiting - fruitlessly as it turned out.

The wedding itself was conducted in traditional fashion, with elaborate arrangements for the stage that included flowers imported from Thailand and Chennai. The Jea Band of Red Fort provided the music while dinner was an elaborate affair, with over 200 dishes reportedly served up.

Incidentally several thousand weddings took place on the day in Delhi, Akshay Tritaya, as it was a particularly auspicious day.