Please join us for our welcome drinks and Mehndi Night where we kickstart the celebrations with a night of music, food, drinks and lots of dancing!
About Mehndi
Mehndi - or henna - is an ancient form of body art, originating in India and across South Asia and the Middle East. A Mehndi party is a pre-wedding celebration in Hindu culture where the bride (and her female friends and family) has a red-orange mehndi "stain" applied to her hands and feet.
Ladies, please all get involved and get your mehdni applied to your hands, especially for those of you for whom it is their first time to an Indian wedding!
Gents, you're also more than welcome to!
The vidhi is the pre-marriage set of prayers that are conducted during Gujarati weddings. Traditionally, the bride and groom have seperate vidhi ceremonies and as a result, we will be on seperate sides of the venue.
Aakash's family and friends: Please proceed to...
Neha's family and friends: Please proceed to...
Lunch will be held together following the vidhi. Following lunch, please kindly make your way over to the pool area for the joint Pithi Ceremony!
About Pithi
The Pithi Ceremony is a fun Indian pre-wedding tradition that marks the beginning of the wedding rituals. A paste prepared with turmeric (Hurdur), milk, sandalwood and gram flour is rubbed onto the bride’s and groom’s skin before a ceremonial bath. Not only does it act as a skin exfoliant before the wedding, it is primarily viewed as a blessing to the couple before their special day. In Indian rituals, turmeric is considered extremely auspicious as it represents purity, fertility and good health. Many people believe that applying pithi will protect the couple from the evil eye, or 'buri nazar.'
Following on from the Pithi ceremony, please join us by the pool for some games. We won't ruin the surprise but expect lots of fun. Please bring clothes that you don't mind getting wet and your competitive spirit!
Please see below and click on the photo icon for ideas and inspiration.
The theme for the ceremony will be hues of yellow.
Men: Kurta's (long indian outfit)
Women: Lengha or saari
Please be mindful that you will be getting messy during this event so only wear what you are happy to get covered in yellow dye and water! (Don't worry it'll all come off in the wash)
Saafa Bandhaai
In this ceremony, Aakash will wear a ‘saafa’ (bright turban cloth) on his head, helped by his Dad. It signifies giving the groom support while he takes responsibility and embarks on this marriage journey.
Baraat / Jaan
Aakash and his family will make their grand entrance. It will be full of music and dancing to the beats of the dhols and drums as they make their way towards the venue.
Pokwanu
After Aakash's arrival, Neha's family formally welcomes Aakash's family and friends. Neha's mum applies a chandlo (red vermilion powder) on Aakash's forehead and he smashes a clay pot with his foot to demonstrate that he has the power to overcome all obstacles the couple may face in their married life. Aakash then walks down the aisle to the mandap. The ceremony starts with Ganesh Pooja (prayer to Lord Ganesh) requesting for peace and harmony throughout the ceremony. Neha's parents then perform a ritual where they wash Aakash's feet as on his wedding day. An antarpat (veil of cloth) is placed in front of Aakash to prevent him from seeing Neha during her arrival.
Kanya Aagman (Neha’s entry)
By far the most awaited part of the day is when Neha will make her grand entrance. She will be escorted by her Mama's (maternal uncles). Once she has made her way to the mandap, the antarpat is lowered and Aakash will see Neha for the first time. They will exchange Jai-malas (flower garlands) to symbolise acceptance of each other, with a promise to love and respect, always.
Kanyadaan (Giving away of the bride)
Neha's parents officially give her away to Aakash by placing her right hand on his right hand. A havan (sacred fire) is lit inside the mandap and the couple pray to Agni (symbol of light, power and purity) as it is Agni who will remove any darkness and ignorance from their lives and lead them to eternal light. The couple then perform mangal fera (steps around the holy fire) where they walk around the fire four times. Each time Neha touches a stone with her toe to symbolise her devotion and commitment to Aakash.
Saptapadi
Aakash and Neha then walk around the havan seven times, and with each phera (circle) a vow is taken together. Each phera represents seven different prayers which are for food, strength, prosperity, family, offspring, health and companionship. They are then showered with flower petals by family and friends to signify their good wishes and blessings.
Sindoor and Mangalsutra
Aakash then applies Sindoor (red-orange powder) on Neha's forehead as a symbol of matrimony. Sindoor symbolises that Neha is now a married woman. Aakash fastens the mangalsutra (necklace) of black and gold beads around Neha’s neck. It signifies his love, integrity and devotion to her. This is similar to the English tradition of placing a ring.
Kansar
Aakash and Neha then exchange sweets as a promise that they will provide for each other's needs in their life together. Akhand Saubhagyavati (blessings from married women) are whispered into Neha's ears to wish her a blissful married life, prosperity and happiness.
The couple finally take Aashirwaad (blessings) from the priest, parents, family and friends as they embark on their journey together. This concludes the wedding ceremony.