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Owen Bennett Jones introduces insight, wit and analysis from correspondents around the world. In this edition: Mark Tully reflects on the enduring charms of old (and New) Delhi; Pauline Davies joins in the niceties and curiosities of a tribal wedding in Papua New Guinea's remote Southern Highlands.

How independent India reshaped a Raj landmark

Indians this week are marking Republic Day – looking back to the signing of the constitution in 1950. Just a few weeks ago there was another anniversary - the centenary of the foundation of New Delhi. But what should modern Indians have made of the latter date?

An influential Hindu nationalist organization called the New Delhi celebrations "disgusting and dispiriting" because the city had been built as the capital of the British Raj. But Mark Tully argues that most Indians live quite happily with New Delhi - now that it has been swamped by the vast, sprawling urban area that is the Delhi of today.

Maid of honour to a "four-pig bride"

Whilst weddings in the UK are – like anywhere else – happy occasions, they can tend to be a bit formulaic. The marriage itself is often a bloodless affair, performed in a government office or religious building; and there's typically a mediocre meal in a marquee or a public hall, along with a few drinks, afterwards.

It's a long way from the ritual and cultural complexity of a traditional Papuan wedding. Pauline Davies recently accompanied a friend from Australia to her wedding in the Southern Highlands, and definitely felt she was entering another world - even if it was one with good mobile phone reception.