With the blessings of our families
Saturday, 12 December 2026 · Jaipur
We met in the queue for chai at a friend’s Diwali party in 2019. Rohan spilled his on Aanya’s dupatta, offered to buy her a new one, and somehow that turned into dinner.
Five years, two cities and one very patient long-distance phone plan later, he asked her at the same friend’s house, with chai, carefully this time.
With love and blessings from both families
The bride’s family
Meena and Rajesh Kapoor
With blessings from Dadi, Kamla Kapoor
Jaipur
The groom’s family
Sunita and Vikram Malhotra
With blessings from Nana and Nani
Amritsar
Every function, with the time, place and what to wear
Thursday, 10 December 20264:00 pm
Friday, 11 December 20267:30 pm
Saturday, 12 December 20268:00 am
Invite only
Saturday, 12 December 20267:00 pm
Saturday, 12 December 20269:30 pm
Sunday, 13 December 20268:00 pm
What each ceremony means, so you can follow along
Preview only: 13 of these explanations are still being checked by our ritual reviewers. Your guests will see them once they're checked.
Henna is applied to the bride’s hands and feet in detailed patterns, often hiding the groom’s name for him to find. The women of the family gather to sing, and a deep colour is said to promise a loving marriage.
An evening of music and dance where both families perform for each other. It began as a gathering of women singing folk songs; now it is the night everyone rehearses for.
On the wedding morning, after a small puja, the bride’s maternal uncle gives her the chooda, a set of red and ivory bangles. She traditionally wears them for weeks afterwards as a sign of being a new bride.
Golden, umbrella-shaped ornaments are tied to the bride’s bangles. She shakes them over the heads of her unmarried friends; the story goes that whoever a piece falls on will marry next.
Family members apply a paste of turmeric, sandalwood and rosewater to the bride and groom, each in their own home. It is a blessing for protection and a glow before the wedding.
His sister or brother-in-law ties the sehra, a veil of flowers or pearls, onto the groom’s turban. He then mounts a decorated mare to ride to the wedding.
The groom’s procession to the bride’s venue, with family and friends dancing to the dhol. The bride’s family waits at the entrance to welcome them.
When the baraat arrives, men of the same relation from both families (father with father, uncle with uncle) meet, embrace and exchange garlands. It is how the two families formally meet.
The bride and groom exchange flower garlands, accepting each other. Friends often lift them up to make it harder for the other to reach, which always gets a cheer.
The bride’s parents place her hand in the groom’s and ask him to care for her as an equal partner. It is one of the most emotional moments of the day for her family.
The couple walk around the sacred fire, Agni, the witness to their marriage. With each round they make a promise to each other: to nourish, support and stay true for life. Seven rounds are most common; some families take four.
The groom fills the parting of the bride’s hair with sindoor and ties the mangalsutra, a black-bead necklace, around her neck. Together they mark her as married.
The bride’s farewell from her family home. As she leaves, she throws handfuls of rice over her shoulder, wishing her parents’ home lasting prosperity. Happy and tearful at once.