Ruchi's Mehndi
Before moving into the wedding hotel, the whole family stayed at a beautiful farmhouse on the outskirts of Jaipur where Ruchi’s Mehndi was applied, along with other ladies in the family. It was an intimate affair, but filled with music and laughter as Ruchi’s mom, bhabhis, cousins, and aunts sang songs.
Bonfire
Ruchi’s family hosted a Bonfire for the family and friends who had arrived in Jaipur. After chowing down on some yummy food and drinks, Ruchi’s bhaiya and bhabhi (Rahul and Richa) played host for an epic “American vs. Indian Antakshari” battle. Both sides sang songs (and even got up to dance if needed!). And of course, no bonfire is complete without s’mores, packed and brought all the way from New York!
Haldi
The ladies on Ruchi’s side gathered for the Haldi ceremony, where they applied a turmeric and sandalwood paste on her face, feet, and arms. This ceremony is light, fun, and meant to keep the evil eyes away...it was also super hard to scrub away (proven by Ruchi continually turning her makeup artist’s brushes yellow throughout the day!)
Bhaat
The morning of the Wedding, Ruchi’s family gathered for the Bhaat ceremony, where her maternal uncle (Mama ji) and his family are welcomed to the Wedding as they give gifts and tilak to Ruchi’s paternal family and guests. The Bhaat ceremony for Ruchi’s side held extra weight, as it’s a time where they all fondly remember her Nanaji and what it would mean to have him there with us.
Chacha Bali
Right before the Wedding, Ruchi went to the mandap with her Chachas and Chachis (Papa’s younger brothers) to perform the Chacha Bali ritual, a time where her Chachas put earrings on her and blessed her before the ceremony began.