Baraat: the groom's procession

The groom travels to the wedding venue at the head of a noisy, dancing procession of his family and friends — traditionally on a decorated white mare, today sometimes in a vintage car, occasionally on an elephant, and once in a while on a tractor. The bride's family waits at the entrance to receive it.

What to expect

• A dhol player, a brass band or a DJ trolley — and dancing in the street that stops traffic.
• Distance is irrelevant. A baraat may cover 200 metres in 45 minutes. That's normal; the procession is the event.
• The sehra — a curtain of flowers or beads over the groom's face on the horse, in some traditions.
• Milni — on arrival, the two families formally greet each other, garlands are exchanged, elder matched with elder. Often warm, often competitive, occasionally involving a mock lifting contest.
• Then the shoes. The bride's sisters and cousins will attempt to steal the groom's shoes (joota chupai) and ransom them back. Negotiation is expected; paying is non-negotiable.

If you're on the groom's side

You're expected to dance. That's the job. If you're on the bride's side, you're expected to watch, applaud, and be unimpressed in a good-natured way.

Customs differ by region, community and family — where sources or practice genuinely disagree, this page says so rather than presenting one version as the rule.

Last updated: 2026-08-11