Unique Launch Ceremony (1927)

Item title reads: “Unique launch ceremony. Hon, V. J. Patel - President of Indian Legislative assembly - launches Indian steamer “Jalabala“ according to Eastern custom. The stern was anointed, garlanded and coconut deposited. As she started to move, another coconut was broken on the side, and rice thrown over her.“ Glasgow, Scotland carries a bouquet of flowers, and stands with two women, all in traditional Indian robes, as they pose for a photo with officers in Western dress behind them. C/U of the prow of the ship ’The Jalabala’. Mr. Patel and two women are seen on board the ship performing a customary ritual which involves draping flower garlands and placing a coconut on the stern of the ship. Next he is seen on the slipway as he holds up a coconut. C/U of it in his hand. He cracks it on the side of the ship. The huge ship is seen on the slipway, sliding into the water. People look down over the guard rail. Note: This launch sequence has a sepia tone. FILM ID:690.3 A VIDEO FROM BRITISH