Marriages, as per Indian beliefs are made in paradise. Once when are married, the bond is for seven lifetimes. It is well thought-out to be a turning point in an individual’s life. It is true certainly as he enters the second significant phase of his life. Marriages in India are long procedures, with several ceremonies that may take days to happen. Every single tradition in a wedding ritual has deep significance. All over the world the Hindus obey to these set of rites and stay on the traditions of marriage that is unique amongst those in the world.
One of the things that might shock Western guests is the baraat, or groom's parade. For this, the groom reaches to the marriage place on a decorated horse. All the guests dance around him on the beat of a dhol, an Indian drum. After that, the bride and her family come and receive the groom to symbolize their acceptance of each other.
If you've been invited to your first Indian wedding, you may be curious about what's going to happen. Let me help you with that
What should you wear?
Brighter, bold, vibrant colors and eye-catching jewelry. If you don't have a traditional sari or lengha, don't worry—a jewel-tone dress with a shawl is appropriate too.
It last for several days?
Traditional wedding last from 3 days to 7 days as well.
What all function should you attend?
Mehndi ceremony: For this, the bride and her friends and family will have complicated henna patterns drawn on their hands and feet.
Sangeet function : Sangeet takes place the same evening. Every wedding visitor is typically invited, and it contains an introduction of the couple's families, mingling, a meal and dances or other performances.
Wedding day: On the third day, the main ceremony, cocktail hour and reception take place. It takes usually the whole night in which you exchange garland followed by huge photo session which include both side family member. Post which couples go for dinner and then priest tie the knot and ask couples to take seven vows in front of fire.
What can I expect to see at an Indian wedding ceremony?
Everything..almost everything. Groom coming on Decorate white horse, guest dancing around him. The rites, the priest, groom, bride and bride's parents, mandap, a canopy. The ceremony called kanya daan, in which the bride's parents give her away. Then the couple joins hands and circles around a small, surrounded fire in a procedural called the mangal phera.
Then the couple will take vow to support each other and live happily together. Finally, the groom will apply a red powder to the center of the bride's forehead and tie a black necklace around her neck, symbolizing she's now a married woman.
Wedding is all about yummy food as well!
Two of the most shared misunderstandings about Indian food are that it's all spicy and it's all vegetarian. You'll see a spread of naan, different curries, samosas, pakoras and a dessert, which typically includes cake, kulfi and decorated sweets made from nuts.
And most important don’t forget to bring envelope with money at couples reception!