Indian weddings are rarely one-day affairs. Typically, they span three to five days, starting with pre-wedding rituals that can begin weeks in advance.
The wedding doesn't start at the altar; it starts days before with a lot of noise and turmeric.
1. The Roka & Engagement (Sagai) This is the official "go-ahead" from the families. It formalizes the union between not just two people, but two families. The engagement ceremony involves exchanging rings and blessings from the elders. www indian suhagrat com patched
2. Mehendi (The Henna Night) Arguably the most Instagrammed event. The Mehendi is a party solely for the bride and her female relatives/friends. A henna artist paints intricate floral and paisley designs on the bride’s hands and feet.
3. Sangeet (The Musical Night) Literally translating to "sung together," the Sangeet has evolved into a full-blown dance competition. Historically a night for the women to sing folk songs, today it involves choreographed dances by both families. It is the ultimate ice-breaker. Indian weddings are rarely one-day affairs
4. Haldi (The Turmeric Ceremony) On the morning of the wedding, a paste of turmeric, sandalwood, and rose water is applied to the bride and groom (separately, in their own homes).
The diversity of India means traditions shift by geography: a paste of turmeric
Applying henna is a five-to-six-hour marathon of stillness. The jokes about hiding the groom’s name in the intricate patterns are charming, but the real tradition is darker: The bride is not allowed to do housework until the henna fades.
In agrarian India, this was a forced vacation. The deeper the stain, the longer the rest, and the deeper the mother-in-law’s love. The henna is also an offering to the god of love, Kama. The cooling sensation of the paste is said to calm the nervous system, allowing the bride to meditate on her transition. It is the last moment she will exist solely as a daughter before she becomes a wife.
At the venue entrance, specific members of the groom’s family are matched with equivalent members of the bride’s family (e.g., the groom’s father meets the bride’s father; the groom’s brother-in-law meets the bride’s brother-in-law). They exchange garlands (varmala), hug, and offer money or coconut.
While the Saptapadi is common, the execution differs.
