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Desi Weddings & Ceremonies

A Desi wedding is several distinct events across several days, each with its own purpose, dress code and mood. Nobody explains this to guests, which is why so many arrive uncertain. This section explains each one.

A wedding couple seated before the sacred fire under a flower-decorated mandap, family around them — The mandap — where the marriage itself takes place. (AI-generated image)

The wedding, day by dayWhat happens, in what order Guest guideWhat to wear, gift and expect HaldiThe turmeric ceremony MehndiHenna, and the night around it SangeetThe music and dance night BaraatThe groom's procession The pherasThe marriage itself VidaaiThe farewell Gifting & shagunHow much, and why it ends in one Regional differencesNorth, south, Sikh, Muslim, Christian

One caution before you read on

There is no single Desi wedding. What follows describes the widely-seen North Indian Hindu pattern, because it's the one most guests encounter and the one most often filmed — but a Tamil wedding, a Sikh Anand Karaj, a Muslim nikah and a Syrian Christian wedding are genuinely different events. See regional differences.

Last updated: 2026-08-11

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