Haldi

The Haldi ceremony is a sacred pre-wedding ritual where a paste made from turmeric (haldi), sandalwood, rose water, and sometimes oil is applied to the bride. In Hindu tradition, haldi is believed to have purifying and auspicious properties. It symbolizes protection from evil forces and is said to cleanse and bless the couple before their transition into married life. Additionally, turmeric is known for its skin-brightening properties, so it's also considered a natural beautifier before the big day.

Family members and friends gather in a cheerful, informal setting, singing traditional songs and applying the turmeric paste to the bride, usually starting with the elders. It's common for laughter and playful teasing to occur, and after the ritual, the bride and others are usually given time to wash off the paste before other events.

Late morning

HINDU WEDDING CEREMONIES

Early evening

Baraat & Milni

The groom arrives at the wedding venue in a vibrant procession accompanied by his family and friends. He may ride a horse, elephant, or decorated car. The crowd dances to the beats of a dhol (drum), and the procession is festive, loud, and colorful. Fireworks and a live band or DJ are often involved.

The bride’s family and friends wait at the venue to welcome them.

Milni, meaning “meeting,” marks the formal welcome of the groom’s family by the bride’s family.

Bride’s family welcomes groom’s family, friends (everyone in baraat) with garlands, hug each other, and sometimes offer small gifts or tokens. Males welcome males and female welcome females. Aarti (a ritual with a lighted lamp) is performed for the groom by bride’s mother to bless and welcome him.

Bride’s brother escorts the groom to the wedding altar where the groom waits for the bride to arrive.

BRIDAL ENTRY

The bridal entry is one of the most emotionally powerful and symbolic moments in an Indian wedding. While it has evolved in style—especially in modern celebrations with music, lights, and creative choreography—its core significance remains deeply rooted in tradition, spirituality, and emotion. The bridal entry marks the transition of the bride from her role as a daughter to becoming a wife and daughter-in-law. It’s her final walk as part of her maiden family before she steps into a new phase of life.

Bride may choose a custom song that reflects their story or personality. The bride is typically escorted by her brothers or male cousins and/or her friends, bridesmaids, or flower girls, sometimes dancing ahead of her. Parents may also be part of the entry. The bride walks slowly toward the mandap or wedding altar, where she meets the groom.

Jaimala

The Jaimala (exchange of garlands) is a mutual acceptance ceremony where the bride and groom place flower garlands around each other's necks.

The bride and groom stand face-to-face on a stage or altar. First the bride, then the groom, places a floral garland over the other’s neck. Family and friends cheer, take photos, and shower flower petals over the couple.

HINDU WEDDING RITUALS

Saptapadi

Saptapadi, or the "seven steps," is the core of the Hindu marriage ritual. Each step represents a vow the couple takes together—ranging from spiritual unity and mutual respect to raising a family and lifelong companionship. Walking around the sacred fire makes the marriage legally and spiritually binding in Hindu law.

The bride and groom circle the sacred fire (Agni) seven times. Each round signifies a specific vow, and sometimes the priest explains each one aloud.

Sindoor

The application of sindoor (vermilion) and the tying of the mangalsutra (sacred necklace) are marks of a married Hindu woman. These rituals signify the groom’s promise to care for the bride and affirm the couple's marital status.

The groom applies a streak of red sindoor to the parting in the bride’s hair and ties the mangalsutra around her neck. These acts are considered sacred declarations that the bride is now a married woman.

Aashirwad

Aashirwad is the concluding and most heartfelt part of the wedding ceremony. It involves the couple receiving blessings from elders for a happy, healthy, and prosperous married life. It also symbolizes the community's formal acceptance of the union.

After the rituals are completed, the bride and groom bow to touch the feet of their elders (parents, grandparents, older relatives) in respect. Elders place their hands on the couple’s heads or shoulders, offering verbal blessings and good wishes.

Juta Churai

"Juta Churai" literally means "shoe stealing." It symbolizes the playful tug-of-war between the bride's and groom's families—especially between the bride's sisters and cousins and the groom.

When the groom steps into the mandap for Hindu Rituals, he removes his shoes (a ritual requirement). As soon as the groom is distracted or seated, the bride’s female relatives stealthily steal his shoes and hide them –while the groom’s cousins/sisters cautiously keep an eye on groom’s shoes. After the wedding, when the groom prepares to leave, he realizes his shoes are missing. The bride’s sisters demand a ransom (usually cash or gifts) in exchange for returning the shoes. This leads to negotiation, teasing, and bargaining—with lots of laughter and banter between the two sides.

Late evening