Literally translating to "sung together," the Sangeet is a night of competitive, joyous performance. Historically, it was a way for the two families—who might be strangers from different cities—to bond before the stressful wedding day.
The wedding day is a grand affair, with the bride and groom dressed in their finest attire. The bride typically wears a or sari , adorned with intricate embroidery and jewelry, while the groom wears a sherwani or kurta .
The Vidaai is perhaps the most tearful moment of any Indian wedding. It is the formal farewell ceremony where the bride leaves her parent's home to go to her new life with her husband. As she steps out, she throws handfuls of rice and coins over her head, a symbolic offering of wealth and prosperity to her ancestral home.
The main wedding day is a highly structured event guided by a priest and centered around a sacred fire. 1. The Baraat (The Groom’s Procession)
The groom typically wears a sherwani , a long, elaborate coat-like tunic over fitted trousers. It is often crafted from rich fabrics like silk or brocade with intricate zari or zardozi embroidery. In North India, he may complete his look with a turban and a sehra , a veil of flowers or beads covering his face.
: When the bride arrives at the groom’s house, she kicks a small pot filled with raw rice using her right foot, spilling the rice into the house. This symbolizes the entry of wealth, luck, and the goddess Lakshmi into the home.
Historically, a Dhuvar reception was held the day after the wedding, but the British/Colonial influence turned it into a glamorous evening party. This is where the couple wears designer outfits, cuts a cake, and poses for photographs. It is less ritualistic and more social—a way to thank the extended community who did not attend the temple ceremony.
If you are attending an Indian wedding for the first time, keep these practical etiquette tips in mind:
: Intricate henna designs are applied to the bride's hands and feet, often hiding the groom’s initials within the patterns. It is said that a darker henna stain signifies a stronger bond between the couple. Sangeet Night
The actual wedding day is a highly structured event rich in symbolism, often guided by a Hindu priest. 1. The Baraat (The Groom’s Procession)
As the groom makes his way to the mandap , the couple begins the ceremony by exchanging beautifully crafted floral garlands, a ritual known as Jaimala or Varmala . This exchange symbolizes their mutual acceptance and consent to marry one another.
Notable for unique rituals like the Bengali Shubho Drishti (where the bride hides her face behind betel leaves) and Ululation (sound made by women to welcome auspiciousness).
One of the most emotionally charged rituals is the Kanyadaan ("giving away of the daughter"). In this tradition, the bride's father places her hand on top of the groom's hand, officially giving his daughter away. The groom then accepts her hand as a promise to cherish and protect her for a lifetime. The bride's parents then pour sacred water into the couple's clasped hands to seal the union.
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A joyful ritual where a paste of turmeric, sandalwood, and rosewater is applied to the bride and groom to purify and beautify their skin.
