Day 1
UPDATE: in addition to the ‘pop-up bazaar’ on Day 2, we will now also be having a small set of vendors set up shop on Day 1 as you arrive - for an early opportunity to purchase outfits for later events in Indian attire!
Check-in at the Lake Palace opens at 12pm IST on March 1st, with a welcome lunch and informal gatherings at the pool, spa, and terraces to commence shortly thereafter. Tour the palace (find the bar) get comfortable (use the bar) do a bit of mingling (guess where?) and unwind. The Bhatias and Ondaatjes will be floating about to welcome you as you arrive. If you don’t spot us, we’re likely both circulating clockwise. Get dressed and try to leave the phone behind - the wedding will start at full pace this evening!
American Wedding
Once everyone has arrived and settled in, the floating wedding will open at sunset with the American-style ceremony. Vows will be exchanged, oohs will be ahhed, and manly tears will be shed. Then comes the food, drink, toasting and dancing!
What makes this ceremony worthy of two years’ patience is you - our closest friends and family. We have a lifelong commitment to make, in the presence of both villages that raised us.
Suggested Dress Code: Black tie.
Wedding Reception
Day 2
Now that we’ve all gotten to know each other, it’s time for a merging of clans. Out-of-town guests - don’t be shy! Everyone is warmly invited and encouraged to don traditional Indian outfits for today and for the rest of the wedding (as is comfortable). You can find Indian clothing guidance here . Let the blending begin! brrrrrrrrrrr
Mehndi
This is a traditional pre-wedding ceremony during which the bride and willing guests will have henna applied by professional Mehndi artists. Local artisans, musicians, and dancers will come to vend and perform in a vibrant pop-up Rajasthani Bazaar.
Mehndi is an ancient Indian form of body art. The Hindi word ‘Mehndi’ is derived from a Sanskrit word ‘Mendhika’ or the henna plant. The use of henna is considered auspicious and a part of the customary 16 adornments for the bride (“Solah Shringaar”). Henna also has (much welcomed) soothing and cooling properties.
Suggested Dress Code: Bright colours and prints!
Women: Bright, day lehenga, sari, kurta, kaftan or dress.
Men: Kurta, bandhgala, or collared shirt.
Sangeet
Sangeet translates to “music” and is a celebration filled with choreographed performances by family (in cheeky competition), good food, and dancing into the night.
The purpose of the Sangeet is to celebrate the joy and love surrounding the union of the couple and the bonding of both families. Back in the day, this event could last up to 10 days!
Suggested Dress Code: Make sure you can dance in it!
Women: Evening lehenga, anarkali, kurta or cocktail dress.
Men: Kurta, bandhgala, sherwani or suit.
Day 3
Vivaah (Indian Wedding)
The Indian wedding ceremony will be performed in Sanskrit (and translated to English) around a sacred fire. The bride and groom will exchange garlands, tie their garments together and walk around the fire seven times in ‘Saptapadi.’
The main significance of Saptapadi is to establish a foundation of friendship in the marriage. ‘Agni,’ the fire deity, is kindled to bear witness as the couple takes seven vows. The 'Vivaah' enjoins the couple to pursue Dharma (responsibility), Arth (meaning), and Kama (love).
The Seven Vows:
To grow together in strength.
To nourish each other.
To be lifelong friends.
To be together forever.
To care for our future lineage.
To share our joys and sorrows.
To preserve our wealth.
Suggested Dress Code: Celebratory.
Women: Bright lehenga, sari, kurta or cocktail dress.
Men: Kurta, sherwani, bandhgala or blazer.
Wedding Reception
Suggested Dress Code: Formal Indian
Women: Evening lehenga, anarkali, kurta or cocktail dress.
Men: Kurta, bandhgala, sherwani or suit.