Celebration for a 1 year old

We had intended to meet our friend Umesh with his heavily pregnant new wife last year. But she had the baby early and it wasn't a good time to descend on them.

So last night we joined about 30 other people to celebrate the baby's first birthday. There were lights, balloons and decorations, lots of extra chairs. 

This is Umesh with his son, Suraj. Can you see kohl marks on his cheeks?

There were two huge chocolate covered birthday cakes. The child is seated on a chair covered with an embroidered cloth. People come and bless him and shower his head with puffed rice. The baby was unconcerned and fascinated with these little bits of rice that had fallen on him.

Next is the cake cutting ceremony with his mother guiding his hand.

Afterwards there was a delicious vegetable thali for everyone to eat. 

Chillies in batter, chick peas in a sauce, rice with vegetables and a cashew nut dish.