Perhaps the most exported tradition, the Sangeet (literally "to sing") is a night of choreographed dances, breaking of the ice, and friendly competition. Historically, women of the household sang folk songs to prepare the bride for her new life. Today, it is a Bollywood-style party where the groom's and bride's family perform elaborate dance routines poking fun at each other.
: Usually held a day before the wedding, the bride has intricate henna designs applied to her hands and feet. It is a festive event filled with music and dancing. www indian suhagrat com full
The ceremony is done, but the customs are not. The hardest part is yet to come. Perhaps the most exported tradition, the Sangeet (literally
This is the formal departure of the bride from her parental home. It is often a bittersweet moment where the bride throws handfuls of rice over her head, symbolically repaying her parents for her upbringing. : Usually held a day before the wedding,
This is the "tear-jerker" of every Indian film. The bride throws back three handfuls of rice and coins over her head to her paternal home, symbolizing that she is repaying her parents for her upbringing. She then leaves in a car or a palanquin ( Doli ). Traditionally, the bride is not supposed to look back at her parents’ house until she reaches the groom’s home, as looking back signifies an inability to move forward.
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The ceremony typically begins with a puja (prayer) where the couple seeks blessings from their elders and the gods for a happy and prosperous married life. The bride and groom are then left alone in a secluded area, where they share a sweet and intimate moment, marking the consummation of their marriage.