by Das Govind

Created on: July 17, 2010   Last Updated: July 18, 2010

Pre-wedding preparations for a Hindu wedding

A Hindu wedding is a grand affair. People turn up in the thousands to watch the rituals unfold. Pre-wedding preparations are many, and differ from each sect or group as India is quite a vast region.

North Indian custom may be a bit different from the South Indian customs.  However, no matter what customs a family follows there is bound to be lots of pre-wedding preparation involved in planning a Hindu wedding. Common rituals performed before any Hindu wedding will be matching of the horoscope between the bride and groom. Many families will also see for a ''good date'', for the auspicious ceremony to be held. Jewellery plays an important role in any Hindu wedding.  Jewellery will be made for both the bride and groom. Traditionally all weddings were arranged in India, but Modern Hindus are finding their own life partners, and this is changing certain customs before the wedding is performed.

There is generally a pre-wedding feast held a day before the wedding. Friends and families will gather at the house of the bride and groom, and in some sects the groom's side will visit the bride's house, the day before the wedding exchanging gifts. The '' Nelengu'' or ''Hurdee'' ceremonies are performed before the wedding. A paste of turmeric is applied all over the body of the bride and groom. This is a cleansing ritual, and is known to ward off any bad astrological influences that may haunt the couple in the future. This is not done by all sects, but it is common practise to perform the rites before a wedding. Guests are also treated to delicious meals prepared by the bridal couple's parents, and it has become common practise to hold a disco or bhangra as an after party.

Wedding invitations play a huge part in the pre wedding celebrations. Parents of the bride and groom will deliver the wedding cards, and this can take weeks. Parents will dress in traditional attire when delivering the cards.

Henna plays a huge part for the bride. Certain sects have a henna night where all the ladies dance and sing. They also have turns to apply henna on the hands, and beautiful designs are made on the bride's hands and feet.

Pre wedding planning involves having lots of guests over one week before the wedding, and relatives help with baking of sweetmeats and preparation of pickles. There is also lots of vegetables and meat to be cleaned before the wedding and for the pre wedding parties.

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