Schedule

Mehndi/Sangeet Celebration

6:00 pm

Semi-Formal

Mehndi, otherwise known as henna, is a paste associated with positive spirits and good luck. Indian Wedding tradition calls for a Mehndi ceremony to be held couple nights before the wedding as a way of wishing the bride good health and prosperity as she makes her journey on to marriage. The bride and her female friends and family members will have intricate mehndi patterns drawn on their hands and feet. It's a common belief that the darker the color of the mehndi leaves on the hands of the bride, the more she will be loved by her husband, which means if my color is not DARK, Mike is in trouble! Modern Indian Weddings have adopted a new tradition of adding song and dance to the traditionally Mehndi Ceremony. Family members will join together and perform choreographed dances for the Bride and later bring the Bride on the dance floor to celebrate her upcoming wedding. Sangeet translates to the word 'Music' in English.

Grah-Shanti & Pithi

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Semi-Formal

“Grah Shanti” is a brief ceremony where Lord Ganesh is invited to remove all obstacles from the couple and to bring them happiness and prosperity. “Pithi” is a paste made of chick pea flour, turmeric, rose water and other ingredients, the golden concoction is applied to the face, arms and legs of the bride and groom to cleanse and purify them before the wedding ceremony.

Baraat/Wedding

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Formal

Baraat: The Groom is led to the marriage venue in a procession known as the Baraat. The use of a white horse as transport for the Groom to the wedding venue is a common part of Indian tradition. A DJ sets the mood with upbeat and exciting songs and will have a portable sound system as the groom, his family, and the groomsmen dance their way to the entrance of the venue for the Bride's family to welcome them. The Bride is not included in the Baraat because it is solely to welcome the Groom and his family to the marriage site. The Wedding: The bride and groom are next seated in front of a holy fire, or 'agni', as a priest recites various mantras from the Holy Scriptures. In Hinduism, fire is regarded as a purifier and a sustainer of life. In a ritual called mangalfera, the bride and groom walk around the fire four times (each a symbol of the four ashrams of life), praying and exchanging vows of duty, love, fidelity, and respect.