I’ve been busy today, mopping up sick, and dealing with a pain-ridden teen, experiencing his first day with braces… Put paid to our plans for the weekend.
You see tomorrow is our anniversary.
However, it’s given me time to reminisce.
If you aren’t aware, Indian weddings are big affairs lasting a good week or so.
My Sikh wedding was no different, and in addition to the length of the build-up, there were at least forty guests who had come from overseas for the occasion too!
I thought it would be an idea to share the build-up with you too, so you can learn a bit about our wedding traditions, (in addition to a silly one my family have too!)
On the Friday before I got married, I had my henna applied by my best friend’s sister.
Then this is the madcap part. We had a fancy dress night!
Usually, I am in the thick of it, but as I had hands adorned with wet, sticky henna I watched from the sidelines as Batman, the cast of Cinderella, masaai warriors, giant babies, amongst others, joined the fun!
And my Pops, not wanting to be left behind, joined my Red Indian Brother as a Punjabi Pirate!
It was a really fun night, full of food, dance and music!
The next day, Saturday, was a day where there were more traditional events.
The Maiyaan was in the morning. This is the haldi, or turmeric ceremony, where the bride (and groom at his place) are blessed and wiped with this sticky goo made from turmeric, supposedly to brighten skin and make you look stunning on your special day!
Oh, and you get fed some sweet rice, which you then go on to feed to at least five other single girls/boys wishing them a speedy marital union too!
The evening was the Chura ceremony, where the bridal bangles are placed on the bride’s arms by the maternal uncles. These are usually worn for an amount of time specified by your in laws, to signify you are a new bride in the family. Some wear them for five weeks, some as long as a whole year!
The next step was the Jago, which was traditionally a ceremony to get everyone in the mood for the wedding. Jago means wake up!
After “waking everyone up” we had a lot of dancing, more food and even some Bollywood karaoke! My family do love a sing-a-long!
Then it was time for bed.
An extremely early start for me was looming… 5am… and an extremely special day ❤
But I Smile Anyway... 
Nov 18, 2018 @ 20:47:36
Such Awesomeness. 🥀😎🎉🎈
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Nov 18, 2018 @ 21:11:12
Thank you 😍
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Nov 18, 2018 @ 16:33:18
So interesting and such wonderful family events. Thank you for sharing and Happy Anniversary.
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Nov 18, 2018 @ 17:20:49
Thank you Nancy 😍
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Nov 18, 2018 @ 15:11:42
Wow! Now this is a wedding, a few days or a week! I thought Mexicans liked to party but idk after reading this. Was your theme to dress up in costumes? Do people change it up?
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Nov 18, 2018 @ 15:17:49
The dress up is kinda our family thing!!!
We’ve done themes before. My one was a free for all!!!
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Nov 18, 2018 @ 15:19:36
Ohh ok. So is it three separate events usually or could it be more? It’s really interesting!
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Nov 18, 2018 @ 15:21:15
Oh there are loads!!!! I just went for the main ones!!! And reasoning behind them all too!!!
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Nov 18, 2018 @ 13:44:51
Thank you for sharing this, Sis! That is wonderful to get knowlege about a really funny pre-wedding celebration.
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Nov 18, 2018 @ 14:05:49
I like to educate! 😍
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Nov 18, 2018 @ 03:10:01
Thank you for sharing. It is so wonderful to learn about other cultures and traditions.
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Nov 18, 2018 @ 09:43:26
Thank you for reading! 😍 I think it’s great to share so we all learn new things 💜
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Nov 18, 2018 @ 02:10:43
I loved reading these traditions, Ritu. And your photos are full of love. ❤️
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Nov 18, 2018 @ 09:42:49
Thank you Jennie 😍 a wonderful time
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Nov 18, 2018 @ 11:57:32
You’re welcome! 😀
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Nov 18, 2018 @ 01:50:35
Interesting the different kinds of traditions. I had to smile at the “pirates.” Good costumes!
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Nov 18, 2018 @ 09:42:29
I love a bit of tradition! It was really fun 😍
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Nov 17, 2018 @ 23:17:20
Lovely photos, lovely memories💜😁
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Nov 17, 2018 @ 23:43:02
Thank you Sis 😍
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Nov 18, 2018 @ 07:27:22
Happy Anniversary 💜💜💜
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Nov 18, 2018 @ 09:48:08
Thank you sis 😍
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Nov 17, 2018 @ 22:51:00
Wow, that’s some pre-party!
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Nov 17, 2018 @ 22:54:41
A colourful, emotional, crazy time 😍
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Nov 17, 2018 @ 22:39:31
Thanks for sharing this Ritu! I love weddings and the fact that your celebrations last so long too.
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Nov 17, 2018 @ 22:49:00
They can take a lot of your time, but close family weddings are truly wonderful! I love the interactions with the family, and the meanings behind everything we do! Glad you liked it! ❤
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