Indian weddings consist
of a pre-wedding party with friends and family as they
gather to prepare for the wedding. The venues are adorned
with perfect setting. Rangoli, Janked up with flowers
is done at the entrance. The artists with accompanying
music, which lends to afternoon charm, perform a traditional
welcome dance, and the mehendi girls are hired to apply
henna to the girlfriends and female family members
of the bride as they get together and celebrate.
Traditional songs are sung to give the bride good luck.
It is believed that, the intensity of the Mehndi reflects
the love of the groom for the bride. Traditionally the
name of the bride and groom is worked into the Mehndi
pattern of the bride.
In the 12th century Mehndi (Indian word for Henna -
Mehndi is the art of applying Henna on the body.) was
introduced to India by the Mogulmonrachie. In the beginning
Mehndi was only used by the rich and ruling families.
Soon also the simple folk found pleasure in it. As more
people were using Mehndi, the patterns became more refined.
Indian weddings conduct many intricate
ceremonies, such as the painting of the hands - henna
as mentioned, but there are other ceremonies as the
mangal pheras, which determines who will rule the household
and saptapadi the seven vows. Amongst other fun traditions.
After the wedding the bride is carried out by her brothers.
The wedding day is selected by a Pandit based on the
bridal couple's horoscopes. The Pandit prays with the
family that they will have a happy life together.
Garlands are presented to guests
of honor Many flowers/rose petals are thrown for good
luck.
Mela food is served, folk dancers and performers adds up to the traditional
and joyful ambiance.
