Indian Wedding Ceremonies Traditionally Span 3 Days

Fans of Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra were enamored with the beautiful photos from their traditional wedding, but many wondered: How is this wedding still going on? In India, the ceremony lasts an average of three days, with different rituals being performed on each day as the couple officially joins together.

What to Expect on Day 1

A priest will perform the ganesh pooja with the couple and those who are closest to them. During the ceremony, the priest will invoke the energy of the Hindu elephant god, Lord Ganesh, who will remove obstacles that may hold the couple back.

What to Expect Early on Day 2

One of the most recognizable ceremonies to outsiders is the mehndi, where the bride’s female friends and family members cover her hands and feet in henna. Outside of the obvious beauty belonging to the intricate shapes, each design symbolizes a different blessing wished upon her.

What to Expect Later on Day 2

All of the wedding guests get their first glimpse of the bride and groom during the sangeet. This stage of the wedding most closely resembles a party. Everyone dances, eats, and enjoys performances and the love in the air.

What to Expect on Day 3

Day 3 is the wedding ceremony itself. The couple is officially joined and everyone basks in the beauty.

The Bride Wears Red

Hindu weddings in India are largely recognized by their bold and alluring colors. Brides don beautiful shades of bright red, which represents prosperity and fertility.

The Jai Mala

To symbolize their desire to marry one another, the couple will exchange floral garlands during the Jai Mala.

The Kanyadaan – When the Bride’s Father Gives Her Away

Similar to American traditions, the bride’s father will "give her away" during the wedding ceremony. Where the moment differs, however, is when her father places the pair’s hands together and pours water onto his daughter’s, which then flows down onto the grooms.

Sindoor is Dusted into the Bride’s Hair

Continuing the red trend, a tinted powder is spread across the part in the bride's hair, which symbolizes that she is a married woman.

The Aashirwad

After the ceremonies come to an end, both families join together to hold a blessing for the couple. Friends, family and relatives will wish the new pair well and bring a gifts in celebration.