The following piece describes the ceremonies and rituals that are performed before a traditional Indian wedding.
Indian weddings are a gala affair. The preparations start almost a week before the wedding day. Various big and small ceremonies and rituals mark the significance of an Indian wedding. The most important all are the three ceremonies- Haldi*, Mehndi*, Sangeet*.
Almost all the relatives reach to attend a wedding at least three days before so that the three major ceremonies can be attended. More than the wedding, the fun lies in these ceremonies; weddings are mostly formal. These days, with changing trends, each ceremony is recorded, unlike previously when weddings were the pivot of focus. Photographers are always on their feet with knapsacks hugging their back and a camera hung around the neck.
It is a custom to deck up the houses for a wedding. Looking at the colourful lights, drapes on the pillars, and decorated hangings that run from one corner to another beautifying the ceilings, one can easily make out that there’s a wedding in the family. The house looks fresh with new paint; not a single speck of dirt or dust can mar the beauty of the house.
The second thing which catches the limelight is the exhibition of opulent, grand and expensive dresses worn especially by women folks; different shades of reds, pinks, oranges and crimson adorn their bodies like roses in a garden. With glittery jewellery they radiate and become the perfect centre of attraction, leaving every person mesmerized.
With all the external paraphernalia, the first ceremony begins. The ‘Haldi’ ceremony. Haldi means turmeric which is yellow in colour. Catching pace with the latest trend, the theme for the ceremony is yellow. Each decoration on the venue goes with the colour theme. People wear all shades of yellow during the ceremony; girls and ladies, instead of jewellery, embellish their looks by wearing marigold flowers around their necks like a necklace, around their wrists as bangles and around their ankles as anklets. The ceremony focuses on scrubbing the turmeric paste on the one to be wed; turmeric is considered good for the skin and therefore, almost all close female relatives sensitively scrub it on the bride or the groom which makes their skin glow. Haldi not only signifies the outer glow but also purifies the soul and brings love and prosperity in lives, according to the traditions. The excitement is seamlessly accompanied by continuous giggles and unlimited laughter. Bollywood songs playing in the background rise to the occasion and youngsters tap their feet to the tunes. Good, scrumptious food completes the show.
Mehndi and Sangeet, the next important ceremonies, come next. Like twin sisters, they go hand-in-hand. The day after Haldi ceremony is an occasion for the “Mehndi and Sangeet”. The function begins in the morning, like a roller coaster, first slowly crawling its way with mehndi and then getting our adrenaline rush with the Sangeet.
Mehndi (henna), is believed to be the most auspicious in Indian tradition. It is believed that this ensures the long life of the husband; bride’s palms and feet are painted with artistic designs. The green coloured paste is filled in plastic cones and expert Mehndi artists draw beautiful designs beginning from the palm till the forearms; from the toe till calf. Mehndi designs mostly include birds, flowers, spirals, doodles and the list goes on. After the bride, other females of the house apply Mehndi. The paste dries up in some hours and when it is dusted off, the hands and feet look imprinted in crimson ink. The manicured nails are painted red after this.
Simultaneously, happens the Sangeet. It is mostly evening by when the Mehndi function gets over. Now people dressed in sparkling outfits, mostly traditional, gear up to amuse themselves and others with sways and moves on peppy songs. A grand setup is made: a stage with disco lights and loud decoration, music station with oversized speakers, a DJ floor. The preparation for Sangeet begins well in advance. For the performances on the final day, the professional choreographer is hired. Everyone from a toddler to an elderly is taught to tap their feet on the rhythm.
The event begins with an anchor, who is most cases is a professional. Like any other event, a series is listed and performers are called to rock the stage. Ladies in their heavily embroidered gowns, wearing massive jewellery pull off even the toughest of steps. With every performance, the excitement in the air keeps building, ready to burst like a cork from a bottle of champagne. With the culmination of all the listed performances, the floor to the DJ opens, where youngsters, like crazy beings starving of dance, hog on the floor oblivious of time.
Those tired and hungry, move towards food. Tables are aligned, a white cloth is laid and counters are set. The enormous spread provides tons of options for people to choose from.
With this magnanimous feast, the pre-wedding rituals are brought to rest. The next day is the wedding!
Haldi*- Haldi is the yellow paste made by powdered turmeric and milk.
Mehndi*- Mehndi is a green coloured paste obtained from grinding the leaves of the henna plant.
Sangeet*- A ceremony of singing and dancing