First question why is it called “Great” ?- probably because its Great! is not the best answer, but close I guess. There are over 10 million weddings in India every year. Estimated to be worth over $25Bn and growing at 30%. Well Indian weddings are an affair and there are a few reasons why- we will try to break down some elements … mostly in this blog we will share some insights into the Hindu Traditional wedding as Christian – Muslims – Jain- Buddhists are all different and unique and something to blog about later.
Arranged or Love marriage: this is an elephant in the room question. Most Indian weddings were arranged in the past where families meet first and make a decision if this is a right fit or not , people would get married and then fall in love.However, now there is a new trend as people are falling in love first and getting it arranged through their family. Either way people are getting married and are happily married as India has one of the lowest divorce rates in the World.
Star Struck : Want to get married- There is some alignment needed to happen in the stars.Per Hindu Traditions – there are Pandits(Priest)/ astrologers who will have to match your star sign (Kundali) to determine if this match is made in the heavens or Stars …literally! They also tell what is the best time ( Muhurath) to say “I DO” …. now how many families do it these days is a question for another time. If the stars don’t match -no worries where there is a love there is a STAR!
Haldi – aka Turmeric Ceremony- We add turmeric outside of our curry and on our wedding day too.The Haldi ceremony is a ritual holy bath also known as pithi ceremony, which is one of the pre-wedding ceremonies in India. Turmeric (haldi), oil and water are applied to both the bride and groom by married women on the morning of the wedding. The mixture is believed to bless the couple before the wedding.
Turmeric Cermony 
Its a Family affair 
The Haldi aka Turmeric Ceremony is usually followed with a Bangles ceremony
Sangeet Time – this is the first of the shenanigans- where there will be a big party best to describe it with a Bollywood song .. check it out …by the way did you notice that video got 52 Million views —well folks this is India remember my previous blog on 1.3 Billion – don’t feel surprised.
Bride Groom Arrival : back in the day we heard of a knight in a shinning armor come and sweep his bride of her feet. Well the Indian Bridegroom does that exactly arriving in his noble steed .
Tatoo Time : Not really its the Henna time. Intricate designs are bought to life and this is a good 2 hours- this ceremony is usually done the day before the wedding and its symbolize prosperity and good luck for the bride on the journey ahead
The Actual Wedding : This is when the bride and bridegroom walk the seven steps circling a fire seeking blessings. This is also when the Sindoor – vermillion is streaked by the groom to his bride – It is a symbol of matrimony
Well no Indian wedding is complete without some great food and Bollywood and here is a good one to talk about a Bollywood style Entry!
Friends hope you enjoyed the read as much as we love sharing with you an Indian experience
P.S – In case you are in love and planning to get married and need catering. We do caterings for every wedding – irrespective of your faith- that is as long as you need Curry. Feel free to contact us for catering
Thank you! This is so educational and enjoyable.