Often held early in the morning, these weddings focus heavily on temple traditions, silk Kanchipuram sarees, and gold jewelry.
India’s diversity means that "Indian wedding traditions" can look very different depending on the state:
Perhaps the most visually iconic pre-wedding event. Intricate henna patterns are applied to the bride’s hands and feet. Tradition says that the darker the henna stain, the stronger the bond between the couple (and the more her mother-in-law will love her!).
Features the unique "Shubho Drishti," where the bride covers her face with betel leaves and is carried around the groom seven times by her brothers before they look at each other. The Post-Wedding Ritual: Vidaai
This is a night of pure celebration. Families come together to perform choreographed dances, sing traditional folk songs, and enjoy a massive feast. It’s essentially a giant party meant to break the ice between the two families. The Main Ceremony: A Sacred Union
Both the bride and groom have a paste of turmeric, oil, and water applied to their skin. This is believed to bless the couple with glowing skin and ward off evil spirits before the big day.