Starting several days before wedding day with Sangeet, loosely translated in English as “sung together” or “singing with instrumental accompaniment”, Riti and Jon celebrated Sangeet at The India Garden.

Sangeet is so much fun – like a dinner and dance with the singing of traditional Indian songs, joking with the couple, dancing and playing the dolkhi, a two sided drum.

What a great time! – it’s been a while since Barb and I have been to the India Garden – the food was great and we LOVE Indian food! Our usual weekly hangout with friends is The Taj Mahal, who catered Riti and Jon’s reception.

Mehndi, the traditional application of henna, is an ancient ceremonial art form tradition was held at Riti’s home. It’s also a time of celebration – great fun and more food!

A Sikh wedding ceremony or Anand Karaj is a bit different than a traditional hindu wedding. Starting with the wrapping of the men’s turbans, the Baraat procession follows the groom to the temple where the families meet, hug exchange flower garlands and celebrate this Milni ceremony with tea.

The groom has to barter his way into the temple before he can cut through a ribbon barrier. And his shoes disappear, bartered for or barefoot when he departs.

Indian weddings are a joyous, boisterous day of dancing and celebration. If you’re fortunate enough to attend, get your rest and bring your appetite! Like Barb and me, you’ll be treated like family. Thanks so much to Rita and Jon’s families for the honor of allowing us to document this wonderful occasion.

Barb and I come from very different backgrounds – Jewish and Catholic. Merging two very different cultures on and after wedding day is always a big decision. I think it’s really cool when couples bring elements of both backgrounds into their wedding day festivities, although it involved many hours of preparation and 3 outfit changes on Manisha’s part.

Hindu ceremonies are fascinating, typically 4 days of festivities. The mandup that was created in the ballroom was absolutely beautiful. Starting with Aaarti, Manisha’s mother welcomes Bernie by placing a tilak on his forehead. Continuing with blessings by parents and elders, Manisha and Bernie walk around the ceremonial fire in 7 steps, each with significant meaning such as the provisions for health and energy, food and happiness.

With 5000 red roses by Kerry Kennedy of Pittsburgh, their reception arrangements were the talk of the local florist’s community. Malcom’s House of Flowers in Indiana, PA did the beautiful ceremony presentations. DJ Layda from New Jersey provided the music at the reception with lots of upbeat Indian pop. It was really a storybook wedding.

Slideshow

Indian weddings are a week long affair, starting with the bridal shower and Mehndi or henna ceremony, continuing with the arrival of the groom in the Bharaat ceremony on Saturday – usually on a white horse but in this case, a little more contemporary mode of transportation – a Ferrari. The celebration continued with wedding ceremonies on Sunday.

The Hindu wedding ceremony, Vivaha, dates back over 3500 years – it’s performed in Sanskrit, the most ancient surviving language.

On the day of the marriage, the bride is considered to be the embodiment of the Goddess Lakshmi and the groom, the Lord Vishnu. Family and friends who come to bless the couple are heavenly bodies, making the wedding a grand divine event.

Everyone was so wonderful to us – thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of the start of your new life together.