Call it carnival-like, an ice-breaker or just a vibrant ritual, the haldi is where all the fun starts in the wedding. It marks the onset of the festivities and it’s one of the most informal functions that soon gets transformed into a high-energy celebration. Before the formality of the pheras and the reception glamour sets in, this about getting messy, laughing loudly and celebrating with loved ones.
What starts as a traditional ritual—of applying turmeric, sandalwood, and rosewater paste—for the bride and groom, can quickly turn into a full-blown turmeric colour fight—with everyone trying to douse the other! And there’s something about dhol beats and the outdoors that turns even the most reluctant folks into dancers, making the haldi one of the most joyous parts of the Indian wedding. Here’s more:
It’s all eyes on the actual haldi ritual. While the bride is applied haldi on her cheeks and hands, the groom is smeared with haldi, too and soon cousins, friends and even unsuspecting parents get involved. The phoolon ki Holi or flower shower also grabs the fun as guests throw armfuls vibrant yellow marigold petals on the bride and groom-to-be.
This is one big fam jam; you’ll see the bride and groom dancing barefoot to the DJ, and so do their friends and family.
The haldi is basically a colour-themed party with yellow grabbing the spotlight. Think ochre and tangerine outfits, marigold flowers, bright décor and a lot of turmeric in hand, all making for an instant mood-booster.
This not the main event, so at the most you stick to the colour theme with easy silhouettes, lighter fabrics, florals and playful prints.
Pretty flowers everywhere, is how best you can describe a haldi. From marigold jewellery to malas or garlands, petal showers and in the decor, it’s a picture-perfect moment wherever you turn.
Being the precursor to the main day, the haldi brings everyone together, from parents and siblings to grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, childhood friends and the building gang that are like family. Get them to divide into two teams, play antakshari or chill and chat.
Set up DIY tables where guests can try their hand at making their own perfume, floral jewellery or decorating T-Shirts or sunglasses with gems and other materials. They get to go home with their own creative efforts.
A huge attraction at the haldi is the food and drink and this follows the theme, beautifully. Think yellow cupcakes and macarons, chaat stations, sharbats and nostalgic Indian bites apt for those in-between moments.
The haldi conjures up the best backdrop for the album. What better than sunlight, outdoor settings, laughter and those yellow-streaked faces? It does not get more candid than that!
You can get as creative as possible with the return gifts for guests. Wrap them in yellow net, gold ribbon and pretty tags and set them out on a table ahead of the function.