Andrew & Prachi
Schedule
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Haldi
12:00 pm
ATTIRE: Semi-formal shades of yellow
The Haldi is a pre-wedding ceremony performed a day or two before the wedding. Family members and friends playfully slather the bride and groom in a paste of turmeric, oil, milk, sandalwood, and gram flour. The paste possesses healing, beautification, and purification properties that leave the Bride and Groom with a radiant glow! Its beautiful mustard yellow hue is auspicious in Indian tradition, representing a life of prosperity, fertility, health, and happiness. The curcumin compound in turmeric is also known to counter anxiety, thus helping the couple relax and remain calm through the frenzy of multiple wedding rituals. The atmosphere is fun, lively, and filled with camaraderie!
Sangeet
7:00 pm
ATTIRE: Party/cocktail and dancing shoes :)
The Sangeet is a pre-wedding event that brings together the couple's families and friends to celebrate the upcoming nuptials. The night consists of choreographed numbers, an open dance floor, and lots of delicious food!
Friday, December 5, 2025
Kheer Ghada
10:00 am
ATTIRE: Semi-formal day wear
This ceremony indulges the Groom on the wedding day by offering him a specially prepared milk enriched with dry fruits. The women from the Bride's side present the Groom and his friends pots of this delicacy and treat him to spoonfuls of it. This is a playful way for the Groom to get to know his future Sisters-in-Law, and for them to shower him with gifts and blessings in return!
Sehra Bandi
2:00 pm
ATTIRE: Formal wedding attire - all the color and sparkle!
“Sehra” is a floral headwear and “Bandi” means to tie. This ceremony involves tying the ceremonial turban on the Groom as he advances into a new phase in his life. The turban is blessed by all the Elders in the family and the Groom’s mother applies a little kajal (kohl) on his eyes to ward off evil as he embarks on his journey towards married life. Men on both sides also get turbans tied in solidarity.
Baraat
4:00 pm
ATTIRE: Formal wedding attire - all the color and sparkle!
The Baraat is a celebratory wedding procession with live music and dancing that slowly advances towards the bride’s home. The groom, decked in traditional finery, rides a ceremonial horse, elephant, or decorated car to his Bride. His family and guests enthusiastically lead the way! No Baraat is complete without dance and music, especially the resonating sounds of the “Dhol” or drums!
Varmala
6:00 pm
ATTIRE: Formal wedding attire - all the color and sparkle!
This is one of the oldest wedding customs described in the Vedas. When the Baraat arrives at the bride’s threshold, the Groom and his family are welcomed by her parents. Her mother performs rituals to protect the groom and drive away any evil spirits. The couple-to-be then exchanges flower garlands, signifying their consent to marry each other. The Varmala seals the deal and paves the way for the eternal wedding vows that will unite the two souls forever!
Wedding Ceremony and Pheras
6:30 pm
ATTIRE: Formal wedding attire - all the color and sparkle!
This ancient Vedic marriage ritual harmoniously unites two souls into one entity. The Priest recites Sanskrit mantras from the Holy Hindu scriptures under the sacred altar (Mandap). The four pillars of the Mandap symbolize the vital roles the Bride and Groom’s parents have played in their upbringing. The couple hold hands and circle the sacred fire seven times. Each round signifies a special vow of devotion that is deeply rooted in Hindu culture. The Groom takes the lead in the first four Pheras (rounds) and the bride leads the last three. The First Phera: A prayer for nourishment The Second Phera: A prayer to stand together in sickness and in health The Third Phera: A prayer for prosperity The Fourth Phera: A prayer for the two families to remain united The Fifth Phera: A prayer for noble offspring The Sixth Phera: A prayer for good health The Seventh Phera: A prayer for everlasting love and companionship
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Vidaai (Farewell)
8:45 am
ATTIRE: Comfortable, travel clothing
This is the final stage of the wedding. The Bride’s parents bid their loving daughter a bittersweet farewell as she accompanies her Husband into a new life. They are filled with happiness for her future but at the same time the separation fills their hearts with sorrow. The bride seeks blessings from all Elders and pauses at the doorstep to throw a handful of rice and coins behind her, wishing her childhood home to always remain prosperous. The bride leaves her parents home and is welcomed into her Husband's family!