Roka: The Official "We’re Doing This" Announcement

The Roka is basically the pre-engagement engagement. It’s when the families meet, exchange gifts, and officially give their blessing. If this sounds like a soft launch of the couple, that’s because it is. Once the Roka happens, it’s open season for aunties to start referring to you as "our bahu." From there, some couples go for a Western-style engagement with a ring exchange, while others keep it traditional with a puja (prayer ceremony).

Haldi: The Glow-Up

Think of the Haldi ceremony as a full-body turmeric mask, but with an audience. Family members smear the couple with a turmeric paste to bless them with good fortune and that pre-wedding glow. It’s messy, it’s hilarious, and it’s the one event where it’s acceptable for your cousins to straight-up dump a bucket of yellow paste on you.

Mehndi: The Prettiest Pre-Wedding Ritual

Ah, the Mehndi night—aka the event where you sit still for hours while intricate henna designs are applied to your hands and feet. (Pro tip: Use a straw to sip your chai while your hands are drying.) Mehndi represents prosperity, love, and good luck, and there’s a belief that the darker the stain, the stronger the bond between you and your partner. (Also, it’s a built-in excuse to avoid doing any housework for at least 48 hours. Win-win.)

This is also when the party starts turning up. Think dhol beats, dance performances, and everyone pretending they didn’t spend weeks rehearsing their sangeet routine.

The Wedding Ceremony: The Main Event

Finally, the big day. Hindu wedding ceremonies vary by region and family tradition, but here’s the general breakdown:

• Baraat: The groom’s grand entrance, featuring a horse (or sometimes an elephant if you’re extra) and a full-on parade. It’s his moment to shine, dance, and prove he can handle being the center of attention before the bride takes over.
• Kanya Daan: The bride’s parents "give her away" to the groom—cue the waterworks.
• Mangal Pheras: The couple walks around the sacred fire seven times, each round symbolizing a different vow (commitment, prosperity, and, yes, patience for in-laws).
• Sindoor & Mangalsutra: The groom applies sindoor (vermilion powder) to the bride’s hair parting and ties a sacred necklace around her neck—marking her as officially married.

And just like that, the deal is sealed!

Sangeet: Where the Family Dance Battle Happens

The Sangeet is where everyone finally admits they’ve been watching Bollywood dance tutorials for weeks. This night is all about music, dance, and slightly competitive family performances (because you know Sharma Auntie will be judging). Traditionally, it was a ladies-only affair, but these days, everyone joins in for the fun.

Expect:

• Bride’s squad vs. groom’s squad dance-offs.
• At least one uncle trying to breakdance.
• A grand finale featuring the couple, proving they really are the main characters.

Bidaai: Cue the Emotional Damage

The Bidaai is when the bride officially leaves her family home and joins her husband’s. This is the moment for tears, dramatic hugs, and everyone pretending they’re not crying (but they totally are). It’s emotional, it’s beautiful, and it’s the one time desi dads let their guard down.

Final Thoughts: Why Hindu Weddings Are a Whole Vibe

From the first puja to the last dance at the reception, Hindu weddings are a blend of deep-rooted traditions, Bollywood-level drama, and unparalleled fun. They’re a celebration of love, family, and the occasional over-the-top decor choice (gold elephants, anyone?).

So whether you’re planning your own wedding or just here for the cultural deep dive, now you know what to expect. And if you’re still looking for that perfect mehndi artist or DJ, you know where to find them.

xoxo,

Laali Ladki