South Asian Wedding Guide
South Asia is a hub of rich culture and ethnically diverse communities. Weddings in this region are large celebrations that commemorate the bonding of two families. Each region has its own traditions and celebrations. Wedding can last for days and include lavish rituals, dancing, food, henna tattoos and ceremonial baths--South Asian weddings are huge parties.
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India
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In India, wedding celebrations are often lavish weeklong celebrations. Traditionally the second day includes a Mehndi ceremony, in which the bride, the bridal party, and her female family members have intricate henna tattoos drawn on the hands and feet. Indian weddings are known to have 500-plus guests attend.
Bangladesh
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In Bangladesh, the bride and groom often have separate Muslim turmeric ceremonies, referred to as the Gae Halud. Traditionally the women wear yellow saris with red borders and the men wear long silken tunics. Guests approach the bride one by one to rub turmeric on her face. The spice leaves skin with a coppery glow, believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The groom has a similar Gae Halud.
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Pakistan
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In Pakistan, weddings often include a Mendi--a celebration in which the groom's family dances, sings ancient songs to the bride's family home, and presents her with the wedding gown. The bride's family does the same processional to the groom's family home and presents him with his attire.
Maldives and Nepal
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After the wedding contract is signed, the celebration usually begins with the walima--a wedding feast that may last for two days. After the wedding feast, the ritual of mala badol is performed. A thin cloth is placed over both bride and groom. They feed each other yogurt.
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- Photo Credit south asia image by NataV from Fotolia.com
