Indian weddings ooze tradition and ceremony. Everything happens for a reason, every flower, decoration and colour holds intrinsic value. Bharat Gangaram offers some of the finest Indian vegetarian catering in the capital with years of experience as Indian wedding caterers at a range of venues across London.
There are far more than just 3 traditions at an Indian wedding. Here are the key ceremonies and rituals – see if you can narrow down your selection to just 3!
1. Misri – the first ceremony of significance is Misri which takes place several days before the actual wedding itself. In this ritual, the wedding couple exchange prayers, flower garlands and gold rings
2. Sangeet Party – this is a celebration where the families of the bride and groom get together for song and dance – sometimes this is just confined to the ladies
3. Mehendi – Mehendi takes place just one day before the actual wedding. This is definitely a ‘ladies only’ event and it is sometimes combined with a Sangeet Party for that reason. At Mehendi, the women draw complex patterns on their hands and feet using henna, also known as Mehendi. The designs are to symbolise the intricate bond between man and wife
4. Haldi ceremony – on the morning of the wedding day, the Haldi ceremony is held where both sides of the family spread a mixture of oil, water and turmeric over the skin and clothes of the bride and groom. This blend blesses the couple and mosturises and calms their skin before the wedding
5. Mandap – this is one tradition no self-respecting bride and groom would do without, the Mandap is the four-pillared canopy under which the wedding ceremony will take place
6. Mangalsultra – this is a Hindu tradition, rather than exchanging wedding rings, the groom ties a Mangalsultra round the bride’s neck. A Mangalsultra is a necklace with two gold pendants and the necklace is tied with three knots to signify a very strong bond
Bharat Gangaram offers some of the best Indian vegetarian catering across the capital. Pick the finest Indian wedding caterers in London with many years experience at wedding venues throughout the city, for weddings large and small. Take a look at our gallery and sample menus online at www.bharatgangaram.com