December 19, 2025
Western Reception
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Venue TBD, Bangalore
Join us for drinks, dinner, and mingling as we kick off our wedding weekend with a Western-style reception.
December 21, 2025
Haldi & Mehendi
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Peacock Grove, Bangalore
Experience two beautiful and joyful South Indian pre-wedding rituals that have been celebrated for centuries:
Mehendi Ceremony (12:00 PM): The Mehendi (henna) ceremony is a colorful celebration where intricate designs are applied to the bride's hands and feet, and guests are invited to have simpler designs applied as well. Professional henna artists will be available for all interested guests. The designs typically take 20-30 minutes to apply and 2-3 hours to dry. This is a relaxed, social event with music, conversation, and refreshments.
Haldi Ceremony (4:00 PM): The Haldi (turmeric) ceremony is a purification ritual where a paste of turmeric, oil, and water is applied to the bride and groom's skin. Family members will apply the bright yellow haldi paste to Meg and Ajey's face and arms. This often turns into a playful event with some good-natured fun. Turmeric can stain clothing, which is why we recommend wearing bright colors.
Schedule:
12:00 PM - Mehendi begins (come any time between 12-3 PM for henna)
1:00 PM - Lunch served
4:00 PM - Haldi ceremony begins
Refreshments available throughout the day
December 21, 2025
Dinner Celebration
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
The Peacock Grove, Bangalore
Join us for a festive dinner following the Haldi & Mehendi ceremonies.
December 22, 2025
Wedding Ceremony
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The Peacock Grove, Bangalore
Join us for our traditional South Indian Kannada wedding ceremony (Kalyanam) as we exchange vows and participate in centuries-old rituals. The ceremony will be followed by a traditional banana leaf lunch.
Traditional Kannada Wedding Rituals:
Our ceremony will include several beautiful traditional rituals:
• Vara Pooje (Welcoming the Groom): The bride's family formally welcomes the groom with rituals and offerings.
• Kanyadana (Giving Away the Bride): The bride's family give their daughter to the groom, entrusting him with her care and happiness.
• Mangalya Dharana (Tying the Sacred Thread): The climactic moment when the groom ties the sacred mangalsutra (necklace) around the bride's neck, symbolizing their union.
• Saptapadi (Seven Steps): The couple takes seven steps together, making vows with each step about supporting each other through life.
• Dhare Heralu (Sacred Water Ritual): Water is poured over the couple's hands as blessings are given by the elders.
After the ceremony, guests will enjoy a traditional Yele Oota (banana leaf lunch), where delicious South Indian food is served on fresh banana leaves - a sustainable and traditional way of dining in Karnataka.
Note: While the ceremony is conducted in Sanskrit and Kannada, we'll have a program with explanations of the rituals in English so you can follow along.
Schedule:
8:00 AM - Breakfast
12:00 PM - Wedding ceremony begins
Followed by Yele Oota (traditional banana leaf lunch)
4:00 PM - Tea and snacks
Refreshments available throughout the day
December 22, 2025
Indian Reception
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
The Peacock Grove, Bangalore
Celebrate with us at our South Indian style reception featuring traditional music and a festive dinner.
December 23, 2025
Farewell Breakfast
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
The Peacock Grove, Bangalore
Join us for a farewell breakfast before heading home.
