FAQs
Question
What can I expect at the wedding events?
Answer
1. Haldi/Pithi & Mehendi Function The mustard yellow color of haldi (turmeric) Is considered auspicious and signifies good health, good luck, fertility and purity. The haldi Is mixed with besan (gram flour) and dahi (yogurt) and applied In a specific sequence (cheeks, arms, legs, feet) by Immediate family members and close friends. Traditionally this function is done separately for the bride and groom, but be ready to have some messy fun with Shree and Samvit during this light-hearted ceremony that we will celebrate together. No Indian wedding is complete without the application of Mehendi (Henna)! Be sure to have one of the Mehendi ladies create a beautiful design for you, which will last for several days after the festivities are over. 2. Sangeet Function The Sangeet function is a pre-wedding celebration of music, dance and food, with a Rajasthani flair. This typically North Indian wedding event has become popular throughout India because of its vibrancy & merriment. It is an evening filled with liveliness and a chance for Shree and Samvit’s family and friends to present choreographed dance numbers that celebrate them. 3. Wedding Ceremony The Wedding ceremony will be performed in the Tamil tradition. The ceremony entails several auspicious prayers and rituals before the bride's parents give away their daughter to the groom, symbolizing that they are entrusting their daughter's well-being to the groom. The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire, each step representing a vow they make to each other. The bride and groom exchange garlands, symbolizing acceptance and respect for each other. 4. Dinner & Dance After the early morning wedding ceremony and an afternoon to rejuvenate, please join the couple as they celebrate their nuptials with a “let your hair down” evening of dancing and dinner.
Question
When should I arrive at the wedding venue?
Answer
We ask that all guests try to arrive by 12 noon on Wednesday, August 21st, as festivities will begin that afternoon.
Question
What about transportation?
Answer
Please see the ‘Travel’ tab for airport to hotel transportation details. Travel between Greepark Hotel and Miraya Greens, the wedding venue, will be provided Alternatively, Uber is easily available, or you can choose to download Ola - a local rideshare service
Question
What will the weather be like?
Answer
Weather may be a bit warm and sultry. Hot during the day and with rain in the evenings. The weather in other parts of India will vary greatly depending on where you travel. Be sure to check the weather for the specific place where you plan to travel! Please pack raincoats and bring an umbrella, etc.
Question
Where can I buy Indian clothes?
Answer
We’ve listed some shopping suggestions in the U.S. below. If you have the time, we recommend shopping in India - clothes will be more reasonably priced, and you’ll get a full range of authentic options. Some clothes may require tailoring, others will not. Generally, women’s blouses for Sarees and Lehengas require tailoring. We recommend you buy a ready-made blouse, which might need slight alterations (typically in India this can be turned around within 24 hours). New York City Jackson Heights (many stores are on 74th St) -India Sari Palace -Rahul’s Couture -Zardozi -Ratri Fashion Lexington Ave (around E 29th St) -Heritage India Fashions -Vintage India NYC Long Island/New Jersey -Amrita Saree -Z4 Fashions -Bombay Boutique -Wardrobe by Megha Verma -Yash Imports Online Shopping India Saree Wedding.com: https://www.indianweddingsaree.com/sarees/party-wear Utsav Fashion: https://www.utsavfashion.com Label Anushree: https://labelanushree.com/ Pernia’s Pop-up Shop: https://www.perniaspopupshop.com (you can also download the app!) Shopping in Bangalore - for wedding and daily ethnic wear Fabindia Westside Global Desi Manyavar Jade Blue Ramraj Cottons (for Veshti & Kurtas)
Question
Where should I travel before and/or after the wedding?
Answer
Please check the ‘Things to do’ page for suggestions.
Question
What should I eat in India? What should I avoid?
Answer
Avoid uncooked food, wash fruit thoroughly and drink only bottled water and you should be fine. Carry Tums or another other over the counter digestive that will allow you to enjoy Indian food to the maximum.
Question
What should I carry around with me when traveling in India?
Answer
Cash, Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) and Google Pay are accepted, safe, and secure at many places, but may not be an option at small bodegas, restaurants, shops, street food, etc. The exchange rate is currently about 1 USD = ₹80. We recommend getting cash from ATMs or money exchange services. Plan on withdrawing or exchanging money at the airport when you arrive, and we suggest carrying at least ₹3,000 in cash. Toilet paper: Your hotel will have toilet paper, but most places outside will not have toilet paper. In India, water (a bidet) is preferred over paper (and yes, it’s more hygienic). If you prefer to use toilet paper, we recommend traveling with a travel pack of tissues or some toilet paper from your hotel. However, if you do use toilet paper, it is best practice not to flush it down the toilet. Also, some facilities may only have Indian style toilets – where you squat – just go with it...do as Indians do! Hand sanitizer: You may find yourself in a situation where you’d like to clean your hands but there’s no soap. Carry around a travel-size hand sanitizer, just in case. Insect repellant: There may be mosquitoes in open spaces. We recommend using mosquito repellents (sprays or cream) to guard against Malaria and Dengue.
Question
Where can I get a local sim card?
Answer
To get a sim card, you have 2 options - Airport: At the Bangalore airport, obtaining a local SIM card is a convenient process. Several kiosks and mobile network service providers are available within the airport premises, allowing travelers to easily purchase a SIM card upon arrival. These kiosks typically offer a variety of prepaid SIM card options from major Indian telecommunications companies (we recommend any one of Airtel, Jio, Vodafone). You would need to show your passport, Indian visa and a passport size photo. Retail stores: You can visit retail stores of Airtel, Vodafone or Jio to get a sim card and choose a prepaid plan that best suits your needs. An airtel plan of unlimited data for 1 day is ₹39.
Question
If you have any further questions -
Answer
Please contact our wedding planners, Amanati Events, at anyone of the following numbers - Shilka Abraham: +919619287476 (WhatsApp) Shruti: +91 9739886953 (WhatsApp & iMessage)