When: Saturday, December 29th, Afternoon

What: The Mehendi ceremony is a pre-wedding event that refers to the application of a henna paste in elaborate intricate designs on hands and feet. An immensely colorful event, the Mehendi ceremony officially kicks off the wedding festivities!

Where: Pool-side Lawns, Falaknuma

Wear: Colorful Indian/Smart Casuals

When: Saturday, December 29th, Evening

What: The sangeet, which translates to "sung together" is a pre-party to the wedding where Neha and Rahil's families come together to sing, dance, and revel in the joy of the upcoming union. There will be food, music, dancing, live performances, and loads of fun!

Where: Main Lawns, Falaknuma

Wear: Festive Indian/Cocktail

When: Sunday, December 30th, Morning

What: The Pithi is one of the most auspicious pre-wedding ceremonies. Also known as haldi (turmeric), it is a symbolic blessing from family and friends to the couple, hoping for an eternal and well bonded marriage of two individuals. Haldi is seen in the Hindu religion as a step to purifying and cleansing the body and providing a radiant glow to the skin (just before the big day!). Family and friends will gather to smear a paste of turmeric powder, rosewater and sandalwood powder on Neha.

Where: TBD

Attire: Yellow!

When: Sunday, December 30th, Afternoon

What: Traditional Hindu ceremony (Baraat, Jai Mala, Pheras) followed by dinner.

Baraat

Rahil will be led to the marriage venue in a procession accompanied by his family and friends known as the baraat. They will be welcomed by Neha's parents, extended family and friends.

Jai Mala

Neha and Rahil will put fresh flower malas (garlands) on each other's necks, followed by an exchange of gifts. The ceremony is not just the meeting of two souls, but is a union of two families, a merge of traditions, values and customs that make the entire wedding complete.

Pheras

Neha and Rahil will be seated in front of a holy fire, or agni, as a priest chants mantras from the Holy Scriptures. Fire is regarded as a purifier and a sustainer of life. In a ritual called mangalphera, Neha and Rahil will walk around the fire four times, praying and exchanging vows of duty, love, fidelity, and respect, while the family members make offerings into the fire. Friends and family shower the couple with flower petals during the pheras. At the end of the ceremony, in a ritual called saptapadi, the bride and groom take seven vows, sealing the marriage forever. These vows are traditionally spoken in Sanskrit, and are one of the most ancient aspects of the Hindu ceremony.

Dinner

Post wedding, dinner, merrymaking, and pictures galore!!!

Where: Falaknuma Courtyard

Wear: Indian Formal/Western Formal