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 the bride and groom's face and arms. This often turns into a playful event with some good-natured fun. Turmeric can stain clothing, which is why bright colors are recommended.
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 22, 2025
Wedding Ceremony
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The Peacock Grove, Bangalore
Join the couple for their traditional South Indian Kannada wedding ceremony (Kalyanam) as they exchange vows and participate in centuries-old rituals. This sacred ceremony will be conducted in Sanskrit and Kannada, with explanations provided in English so guests can follow along and understand the beautiful significance of each ritual.
Traditional Kannada Wedding Rituals:
The ceremony will follow the time-honored traditions of Karnataka, where each ritual carries deep meaning and blessings for their union:
• Mandap Pooja: The ceremony begins with the purification of the mandap (wedding altar) by the priest to create a sacred space for their union.
• Vara Pooje (Welcoming the Groom): In Kannada tradition, the groom is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The bride's family will formally welcome the groom with ritual worship and present him with a silk dhoti and scarf (pitambar) to wear for the ceremony.
• Jaimala (Exchange of Garlands): A cloth curtain will initially separate the couple in the mandap. When the priest begins the sacred mantras, the curtain will be removed, allowing them to see each other and exchange beautiful flower garlands, symbolizing their acceptance of one another.
• Dhareherdu (Kanyadana - Giving Away the Bride): In this deeply moving ritual, the bride's right hand will be placed on the groom's right hand with a betel leaf and coconut on top. Her family will pour holy water over their joined hands, symbolizing their blessing and entrusting their daughter to her new life.
• Mangalya Dharana (Tying the Sacred Thread): The most significant moment of the ceremony - surrounded by five married women for blessings, the groom will tie the mangalsutra (sacred necklace) around the bride's neck. This moment officially makes them husband and wife in the eyes of God and the community.
• Saptapadi (Seven Sacred Steps): With the end of the bride's saree tied to the groom's scarf, symbolizing their eternal bond, the couple will take seven steps around the sacred fire. Each step represents a vow they make to each other - for nourishment, strength, prosperity, happiness, progeny, harmony, and lifelong friendship.
• Arundhati Nakshatra: Following the Saptapadi, the couple will step outside to look at the Arundhati star in the sky, seeking its blessings for a happy and prosperous married life, just as the sage Vasishta and his devoted wife Arundhati represent the ideal married couple.
• Dhare Heralu (Sacred Water Ritual): Holy water will be poured over their hands as the elders offer their blessings and prayers for their future together.
The ceremony concludes with the couple taking blessings from all their elders and family members, followed by the traditional Yele Oota (banana leaf lunch), where guests will enjoy authentic South Indian delicacies served on fresh banana leaves - a sustainable and traditional way of dining that has been practiced in Karnataka for centuries.
Note: While the mantras are chanted in Sanskrit and some explanations will be in Kannada, a detailed program in English will be provided explaining each ritual's significance so guests can fully appreciate and participate in the celebration.
Schedule:
8:00 AM - Welcome breakfast and refreshments
10:00 AM - Pre-ceremony rituals and preparations
11:30 AM - Main wedding ceremony begins
1:30 PM - Yele Oota (traditional banana leaf lunch)
3:00 PM - Afternoon refreshments and socializing
Light refreshments and beverages available throughout the day
