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.