Mehndi (Henna- Painting of Hands & feet)

This festive occasion, originally of Muslim origin, is usually held in the late afternoon. This is primarily a ladies tea-party; however the male relatives are allowed to be present.

On the mehndi, the future bride has her hands and feet intricately patterned with a paste which is a recipe of henna, oil, lemon juice and some water tinted with tea. The application of mehndi, or henna, takes about four hours to complete.

Ideally, the bride-to-be should not wash her hands until the paste has completely dried. Invitees at the party also design each others’hands with mehndi. Mehndi signifies the strength of love in a marriage. The darker the mehndi, the stronger the love.

Sangeet (Musical Party)

Music is the soul of the wedding ceremony. Without music and festivity, the wedding lacks sparkle.

On the sangeet night, entertainment is provided with the help of professional singers who sing popular Hindi film songs. Family and friends eat, drink and dance the night away.

Sagri (Acquaintance)

The sisters and female relatives of the groom visit the bride-to-be in her home. The bring with them perfume, cosmetics and flowers that are strung together in the form of earrings, bangles, hairpieces and garlands.

The sisters adorn their sister-in- law to be with the flowers, suggesting their affection for her.

The purpose of this ceremony is to increase familiarity between the bride and her new family, creating an atmosphere that is fragrant and beautiful.