Schedule

Engagement - "साखरपुडा"

11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Engagement in the Maharashtrian setting marks the beginning of an agreement for the newly established relationship between both families. It is also called Sakshgandh. Like in most cultures, the new partners exchange a ring, but it is important to understand the meaning of Sakharpuda, which is basically a cone of sugar, a sweet that is shared to suggest the event is a good beginning. In royal times, it was a custom to share this sugar via an Elephant to show the grandness of the celebration!

Mehndi - "मेहंदी"

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Henna has a unique role in the history of the Indian subcontinent. It has been integrated into the Indian culture since the time of the Mughals, or maybe even before. Even though this day is most special for the bride, who is usually covered over both her hands and legs with henna designs, all family members, including men, especially the groom, also get these gorgeous henna designs. The bride's design usually hides the groom's name, serving as a mischievous way to reveal the new love! The most wonderful thing about henna, the ever-changing, always-beautiful, ephemeral art, is that it lasts for an instant, and its memories last forever.

Haldi - "हळद"

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Haldi is really special! It signifies many things, and it is definitely unique to us Indians. Turmeric (haldi) is a very important part of our lives, but why do we have it for a function? Among all the different interpretations, one suggests that haldi is an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory agent, which also adds a spiritual element of sanctity to the marriage, where you enter a transcendental zone before the ceremony. Another interesting historical concept suggests that, in the past, even though marriages were arranged, there was limited communication among families. When a person brought the groom's 'ushti haldi' (touched haldi) to the bride's side, it meant everything was going well & as planned. These references make the events in Indian marriages more meaningful, apart from the incredible joy they bring, regardless!

Wedding: Mangalashtak & Antarpat - "मंगलाष्टक & अंतरपाट"

7:00 am - 9:00 am

And here begins the official wedding, when the bride and groom stand awaiting, while Vedic shlokas are recited and they receive blessings from everyone in the form of flowers & rice, representing prosperity. The timing, or muhurta, holds utmost importance for this ceremony, which is determined by astrological calculations. The antarpat (the cloth separating the couple) is dropped once the mangalashtaka finishes, marking the couple's entry into each other's lives. Starting the lifelong partnership!