B, THE COUPLE, & I, 11.25.11
Traditionally the night when the bride’s village welcomes in the procession of the groom which would have departed hours earlier, the Mehindi celebration has now become a complex mix of traditions and ideals, all wrapped in green and yellow clothes and presented in front of family and close friends only. The bride’s family set up camp and greeted the groom’s procession at the front entrance of the reception hall (pictured below), and we entered the hall with much fanfare. Following this, there was the entrance of the bride-to-be with her own processional crowd singing and chanting. The money-blessing and circular dances ensued, and other classical Punjabi traditions were presented from the bride’s family (the Jagoo, etc). Dinner was served, and the Western party kicked in – we danced our faces off into the early hours of the morning and finally called it a night in anticipation of the busy and hectic schedule to come the next day (the ceremony and reception). Click “READ MORE” to see a snapshot of photos!
THE AWAITING BRIDAL FAMILY
THE GROOM ENTERING THE FESTIVITIES UNDER A PROTECTIVE SHIELD FROM EVIL SPIRITS
THE PLATES/TRAYS OF MEHINDI BROUGHT IN BY BOTH PROCESSIONS
B & THE BRIDE, THE KIDS WITH CHILDHOOD FRIEND
dance, dance, danceand do it all over again tomorrow
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