Weddings

To get started on this blog, Indian weddings are totally different from English weddings. 

A traditional Indian wedding lasts at least three days. 

First day: a priest ( called a mirage) will perform the Ganesh Puja.  This ceremony is usually done at home with the couple, the bridal party, and close relatives.  




Second day: This day is the mehndi party.  The bride, her female friends and family members will get very heavily designed henna patterns drawn on their hands.  The bride gets henna on her hands and feet. 





Third day: This day has two events. In the morning, the bride and groom have their individual Vidhi with their family.  At the Vidhi, a series of religious ceremonies take place.  These ceremonies last forever, almost never ending. One of the ceremonies is called the pithi.  This is where all the female family members put turmeric paste on any exposed parts of the bride or groom.  For simple terms, the turmeric paste is supposed to "purify" or bless the bride or groom.  It also helps their skin and gives them a kind of "glow". 
At night, it is time for garba.  Garba is a traditional dance that originated in Gujarat.  The dance is performed in a circle around pictures or statues of different Indian Gods.  






Fourth day: THIS IS THE BIG DAY!!  
The ceremony starts with the baraat, which is the groom's entrance.  He enters on a white horse while guests dance around him.  The bride and her family meet the groom and the couple exchanges floral garlands to put around each others necks to show acceptance of one another.  For the ceremony, the priest, groom, bride and bride's parents sit beneath a mandap, which is a canopy.   

The ceremony starts off with the kanya daan,where the bride's parents give her away. Then the couple joins hands and circles around a small, enclosed fire in a ritual called the mangal phera.  They take the seven steps to vow that they support each other and will live happily together.  Finally, the groom applies a red powder to the center of the bride's forehead and ties a black beaded necklace around her neck. These symbolize that she is now a married woman. 
At night, it is time to party at the reception.  The night starts off with cocktail hour before everyone is allowed to go into the ballroom, or wherever it is taking place.  During the reception, people dance, eat, and socialize.  This is also where people give their speeches, have special dance performances, and where the bride and groom have their first dance.  

Indian weddings take a lot of time and planning.  The end result is always amazing and beautiful, and everyone always has fun.