The Mehendi ritual is a ceremony where henna paste is applied to hands, forearms and feet of the bride. Besides having a cosmetic reason, henna is believed to have cooling properties and is supposed to calm the bride’s nerves before the wedding. It will be a fun event with lots of dancing, food and of course mehendi for the ladies.
The haldi (turmeric) ceremony is usually held on the morning of the wedding. Haldi paste is mixed with sandalwood, milk and rose water, friends and family are invited to come and apply turmeric to the couple for luck, health, to drive away pre-wedding jitters and to ensure they have that extra glow before the wedding. It is believed that the yellow colour of turmeric has medicinal properties protects them from all kinds of ailments. It also believe that the application of turmeric keeps the couple away from all ‘evil eyes’ and alleviates their nervousness before the wedding. This ceremony is regionally known as pithi or vatna.
Baraat is an Indian wedding tradition where the groom accompanied by his family and friends dance all the way to the bride’s doorstep or wedding venue, dresses up in tradition Indian Wedding wear. In other words baraat is an indian wedding ceremony where the groom announces the world that he has come to take the bride with him.
The ceremony which traditionally takes place under a mandap (canopy) consists of several parts. The mangal phere sees the bride and groom walk around the agni (a ceremonial fire) four times, symbolizing the four ashrams of life. The ceremony ends with saptapadi, where the couple take seven vows and seal the marriage for eternity.