Haldi, Mendhi & Sangeet
Haldi, Mehndi & Sangeet
Haldi, Mehndi, and Sangeet are significant pre-wedding ceremonies in Indian weddings, each with its unique traditions and cultural significance. These events are celebrated with much fervor, involving family, friends, music, dance, and rituals that honour the heritage and prepare the bride and groom for their upcoming nuptials.
Haldi : The Haldi ceremony involves applying a paste made from turmeric (haldi), rose water, and other herbs on the bride and groom's skin. The Haldi paste is believed to have purifying, beautifying, and antibacterial properties, ensuring the couple looks their radiant best on the wedding day. It also serves as a symbolic protection against evil spirits. Family members and close friends apply the paste to the couple in a festive atmosphere and provide them with their well wishes.
Egging Ceremony : The Ismaili egging ceremony is a cultural tradition and is known for its playful and joyous nature, emphasizing community, family bonds, and the bringing together of the bride and groom's families and friends in celebration.
During this ceremony, friends and family members gather to playfully throw or smear a mixture of substances, which may include eggs, flour, milk, and other items, on the groom. The practice is symbolic and is conducted in good humor to wish the couple fertility, prosperity, and happiness in their married life. It's a lighthearted occasion that allows both sides of the family to engage in fun and build camaraderie ahead of the more formal wedding events. Sometimes, even the brave groomsmen jump in to save their groom!
Mehndi : During this event, intricate henna designs are applied to the bride's hands and feet, and wedding guests. We will have a few artists on site to ensure everyone can partake in getting henna! The designs symbolize beauty, joy, spiritual awakening, and offering. It's believed that the darker the mehndi stain, the stronger the bond between the couple.
Sangeet : The Sangeet ceremony is essentially a musical evening that takes place after the Mehndi ceremony. This celebration is marked by singing, dancing, and the performance of traditional and contemporary songs and dances by both families. It's an opportunity for the two families to get to know each other in a relaxed, festive environment.
RECCOMENDED DRESS CODE
Dress Code: Festive
The reccomended dress code is below, but given that there are 3 ceremonies happening in one evening, you can opt for attire in any of the categories!
Haldi: Opt for light, airy outfits in pastel or yellow to match the turmeric's color. Choose comfortable traditional or fusion wear that can handle a few stains. The attire traditionally involves yellow, orange, and red. This is a relatively casual event, so you are welcome to wear jeans, khakhis, polos, button downs, sundresses, etc., but feel free to dress up in more formal Indian/American attire!
Mehndi: Embrace vibrant, festive colors with outfits like lehengas, Anarkali suits, or sarees for women, and colorful kurtas for men. Prioritize comfort for sitting during mehndi application.
Sangeet: Dress in glamorous and sparkling attire. Women should consider dazzling sarees or lehengas, while men can go for stylish sherwanis or kurta sets. Adding a touch of bling is encouraged.
For those that don’t already own south asian attire check these out!