Sangeet Garba
Jul 2
2022
Tampa Marriott Water Street
505 Water St
Tampa, FL 33602
Baraat & Wedding Ceremony
Jul 3
2022
Marriott Tampa Water St
505 Water St
Tampa, FL 33602
Cocktail & Reception
Jul 3
2022
Marriott Tampa Water St
505 Water St
Tampa, FL 33602
Sangeet, which literally translates to “music”, is an event held a few days before the wedding and is filled with dance, music, and vibrant colors. In the olden days, families gathered around and took turns singing songs and dancing.
The preferred attire for men is typically a kurta and slim pants (known as churidars). The sangeet calls for a black or navy bandhgala jacket with formal trousers (or breeches if you are feeling more experimental) with your pocket square adding a pop of color.
The preferred attire for women is a lehenga (voluminous floor-skimming skirt) worn with an embellished top for the sangeet—this can be sequined or embroidered, off-shoulder or ruffled, cropped or peplum. A classic Indian sari with ruffled detailing will also do the trick.
A baraat is a celebratory wedding procession for the groom involving live music and dancing. While it does not hold religious significance, it is an important custom nonetheless.
Vidaai, also known as Bidaai, is another important marriage ceremony of the Indians. It is a form of a farewell ceremony organized by the family of the bride to officially bid farewell to their daughter as she leaves for her marital home. Vidaai can vary, depending on the region where it is holding.
One of the best routes is wearing traditional Indian clothes. For women, that includes any of the following:
A colorful saree, which is an elaborately tied drape of fabric that is worn from the shoulders to the ankles, covering one or both of your arms. Extra fabric is normally left free and can be used to cover your head during the religious ceremony.
A lehenga is another popular option, but unlike a saree, this is typically a two-piece outfit consisting of a crop top and full skirt.
A sharara, which is a type of suit featuring wide-leg, palazzo-style pants and a matching tunic top (sometimes called a kurti or kurta). The set is typically decorated with sparkly beading, brocade patterns, and embroidery.
Men can wear either a long-sleeved tunic (kurti) or a knee-length jacket (called a sherwani) with matching pants. Both men and women’s clothes come in dazzling, bright colors with lots of patterns, embellishments, and prints. If you live in an area with a large Indian-American population, try a local Indian, Pakistani, or Nepalese market, which will likely sell clothing.
