Baraat and Wedding Part 1

In Hindu Weddings, the Groom is led to the Wedding venue in a procession full of his friends and family (known as the Baraatis). Vivek rode in on a beautiful elephant, as the Baraatis danced around him to the marching band accompanying them. Upon arriving, Ruchi’s family were waiting to greet Vivek’s family with garlands and little tokens. Ruchi met Vivek after being walked in first by her sisters and best friends, and then by her bhaiyas and bhabhis. We performed the Jai Mala (flower garland exchange), which to our surprise is actually considered the moment we’re officially married! We then proceeded to the mandap, which was surrounded on all four sides by water, for our official ceremony performed by a musical group and Pandit Ji.