Advice for a Stress-free Wedding

Planning a Wedding can be tiresome what with the last minute shopping and the hustle bustle of the relatives and family members. Since every Bride hopes for a smooth and stressful wedding, she can very well prepare a list to avoid the petty and irritable issues that can crop up. So to avoid the stress lines to show on your Wedding day, or to avoid the bloodshot look owning to lack of rest and sleep, here are a few pointers that may help you...

Step 1 is to stay hydrated. We don't want you falling unconscious in a middle of a ceremony. Winters or summers, you need to have ample amount of juices and coconut water to stay fresh and energetic. Coconut water will help you stay toxin free. 

Step 2 Surround yourself with positive friends and family

The chores along with the wedding preparations can be quite crazy. I would suggest that you stay calm in case you are not able to shop for your color choice. Keep your mind open and stay positive. Shop with someone sensible who you trust and believe in. 

Step 3, go for lighter wedding outfits

 In our Punjabi Weddings, the heavyweight lehengas and saree's have become a fashion trend. Go for lighter wedding outfits, something which can wear with comfort. The weight, the heat and the uneasiness you feel while moving around in them can be stressful. Lighter attires on the other hand that are accessorized well, leave you feeling happy and light throughout the affair. Go for chiffon or Georgette or alternatively you can go for crepe too. 

Step 4, is to manage time effectively. 

If you strategically manage time before wedding by creating a checklist and going according to the schedule, then there will be less of last minute panic. Learn to delegate work, and work on finishing the major tasks way before the wedding day. Give yourself a month before the wedding to relax, enjoy your pre-bridal spa. Go for casual shopping with your friends and young family members to get ideas for a great trousseau. 

Step 5, Stay involved and informed of the Wedding preparations

Yes we did tell you to delegate but you have to stay involved and most importantly informed of all that is happening for your wedding. The catering, flowers, venue, color scheme for your wedding, wedding theme (if you are inclined to have one) are not going by the schedule then you should have a family meeting for alternatives. Don't crib that your favorite fish din't come out right or your flower decoration din't get an approval from your in-laws. Plan before hand to avoid stress. 

Step 6, Most importantly work on the problem areas

Do you think your panditji is overbooked on the day of your wedding and might not be able to reach your wedding on time? Or has your caterer ordered a special cake that has to be assembled at the venue? Well, things left to the last minutes can cause stress later on. So, work on the problem areas beforehand. It is best to have each member of your family assigned to a different responsibility so that you can cover all areas cleverly.

Chooda and Kalire for a Punjabi Bride

Wedding is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and memorable day of a couple’s life. This auspicious event not only brings two souls together forever, but also brings them close to their family and friends who join them in the celebrations as a couple begins their new life together. The wishes and blessings of these people are very important for a couple's smooth journey into this new phase of life.

In an Indian wedding, all the rituals performed hold some cultural or religious significance.  The chooda and kalire ceremony that is usually part of a Punjabi wedding are important too.  Held for the Bride, this is usually done on the day of the wedding.  The 'chooda' is the red and white bangles with beautiful golden accessories that hang on them, are famously known as 'kalire'.

In a Punjabi wedding,'Chooda' ceremony holds a special position in the brides family. Chooda is traditionally, a set of 21 bangles in red/maroon and white/ivory gifted by the bride’s maternal uncle (Bride's mothers brother).  

The ceremony begins with a  puja or havan. Bangles are first purified with milk and rose petals. Before it is put on the bride's wrist by her maternal uncle, all the close relatives touch the chooda as a mark of their blessings. After that, the wrist is covered with a white cloth, as the bride cannot see the chooda till the time of the wedding ceremonies. 

Chooda is an important part of a Punjabi bride’s solah shringar. This is one of the most evident marks of a new bride. Not only that, it is also known to bring good luck for the newlyweds. Also, red is a very important colour for a married woman as it is believed to strengthen the bond between a couple. Fertility and prosperity are two words that can be easily associated with the chooda, which is worn for a minimum period of 40-45 days after the wedding day.

The chooda is accompanied with the bridal lehenga, which in many communities is gifted by the maternal uncle as well. Chooda ceremony is a Punjabi ritual but the same can vary in names for different cultures around the country.

The umbrella-shaped hangings tied to the chooda, signifying happiness and eternal love between the couple are kalire. The bride’s sisters and friends tie the kalire to her chooda. Kalire are usually made from gold or silver threads, red being a favorite color in all Punjabi Weddings. Sisters and Friends of Brides usually tie kalire, giving their blessings to the would be wife and reminding her to not forget them post her marriage. Also, the coconut-shape of the kalire is symbolic that she never runs out of food in the new home, while the metal symbolises wealth and prosperity.

Often there are dried beetle nuts, dry fruits and coconut encrusted on the kalire. These are available in various designs and sizes, and one can pick according to their choice. 

It is said that if the Bride touches her  kalire worn hands on the heads of all the unmarried girls present and a loose kalire falls, then she is the next one to get married. The next day after the wedding, one of the kalire is left at the temple with the priest for blessings and the rest are kept by the bride as a memory of her parent's home and a momento of the wedding day

Baraat and Baraati's

The Baraat or Wedding Procession is the highlight of all Indian weddings. The baraati's are usually the family members, friends and relatives who accompany the Groom to the Wedding venue. Baraat is all about fun, music, singing and dancing to the popular Bollywood beats. The Groom and his horse are covered in the finest with Groom's head adorned with a Turban and his face partially covered by the Sehra or the Floral Veil to add Royal touch.


The main focus of the baraat is the groom who is traditionally mounted on either a white horse or a horse-led carriage or in some cases an elephant.

In some cultures, the groom is accompanied by a younger sibling, called “sarbaala” who they say acts as his protector.Today most modern grooms prefer to travel in classic vintage cars which are decorated with flowers or ribbons.







A traditional  Baraat consists of a group of 12 or more musicians, usually a brass band, playing a number of instruments to the latest Bollywood hits. The smartly dressed brass band members are a part of the dancing and merry making. Adding to this are the Dhol beats playing for the bhangra loving baraatis.

The entourage may be accompanied by light bearers who carry portable lamps on their head. A beautiful display of fireworks contributes to the excitement and enthusiasm of the crowd. The instruments commonly played in a traditional brass band are trumpets,trombones, tubas, clarinets, cymbals, tabla, base drum and saxophones. On reaching the venue, the baraatis are welcomed with garlands, a spray of rose water and refreshments. The groom is welcomed with an aarti and led to the mandap, where his bride awaits.

Sindoor or the application of the Red Dot

The 'Sindoor' or the 'Vermillion' powder or 'Kumkum' signifies married. Its a symbol as of marriage like the engagement ring or mangalsutra for that matter. In a Traditional Hindu household, these two things are symbolic of a married women. Sindoor or the Red Dot is generally applied on the hair parting. It is said that a married women should adorn herself with Sindoor till she is married. Its an integral part of our Wedding Ceremony though nowadays many young boys and girls do not follow this tradition. 

According to Hindu mythology, it has been suggested by scholars that the red color imparts power and when sindoor is applied to the parting of the hair it symbolizes the energy of female divinity – Parvati and Sati. It is also believed that if a woman wears sindoor in her hair parting then Goddess Parvati will bless her husband with the longer life. Application of sindoor also wards off evil and invokes Goddess Parvati to safeguard their husbands. Applying sindoor is considered to be auspicious as it brings good fortune.

In earlier times, women preferred to prepare Kumkum or Sindoor at home. The sindoor is prepared using mercury, turmeric and lime. The mercury in the sindoor acts as a catalyst that eases stress and strain. It also helps in keeping the brain active and alert. So we have a scientific reason to apply sindoor as well. The Mercury not only keeps the Blood Pressure in check but also helps in controlling blood pressure, activating sexual drive and libidinal energy. 

Sindoor is not just used by the womenfolk of India. Even men, boys, girls and little children apply a dot of this powder on their forehead when they visit a temple or attend some religious function.

However, for married Indian woman, it's is almost compulsory to apply Kumkum 

Types of Indian Wedding - Parsi Weddings

Like all other Indian Weddings, Parsi Wedding Ceremony is also spread over a couple of days. The wedding celebrations are divided into three parts- Pre-Wedding rituals, wedding day rituals and post wedding rituals. 

The Pre-Wedding Rituals begin with a ceremony called Rupia Peravanu. This is like a engagement between both the families. Ladies from the groom’s household visit the bride’s home and present her with a Silver coins as a token of gift or 'shagun'. After spending some days, the groom’s family return home where they are then visited by the bride’s family. Now they give gifts to groom.

Madhavsaro is another interesting ceremony observed few days before the date of wedding. The bride and groom plant a tree in a pot individually. This pot is kept at the entrance of the houses and watered everyday till the eighth day after marriage. After this the plant is planting somewhere else. 

According to this ritual, groom visits the bride’s place and gives her gifts like clothing and jewelry. Sev, dahi, boiled eggs and bananas are kept for the groom’s family to eat.

Supra nu Murat ritual is performed a day before the wedding. Five married women applies turmeric paste to the bride and groom followed by Nahan, or the purifying bath before the wedding. 

According to the Zorastrians or Parsis the time immediately after sunset or very early in the morning is considered auspicious for marriage. The Parsi lagan is called ‘Achumichu', which takes place either at a Baug or at an Agiary (the fire temple). A stage is build up for the couple and before they step on it, the groom first, a ritual called Achumichu is performed. The bride's mother takes a tray with a raw egg, supari, rice, coconut, dates and water and begins the ceremony with her son-in-law to be. In Ara antar ceremony the couple is made to sit facing each other with a cloth held between them, so they cannot see the other. Among the other main day rituals are Chero bandhvanu and Haath borvanu. 

Chero Bandhvanu is when the couple sits beside each other and the priest circles the couple with a String. The oil lamps are lit on each side and prayers are said. The ceremony ends with bride's sister dipping the groom's hand in a glass of water, and sprinkles little milk on his shoes. The seven strands binding the couple are removed and they are pronounced married. 

Choosing the Date for your Wedding

Are you planning to tie the knot with your someone special in 2014? If yes, then you have come to the right place or rather Blog! We can help you zero down on the most auspicious dates, days, time and Nakshatras for you in this year 2014. Wedding days are the most important days of your life. Therefore it is important that this day is favorable to you and your would be partner. Vivah Muhurath is usually few auspicious days when the rituals if done appease the deity and one gets blessed. The best thing about Marriage Muhurat 2014 dates is that it will not only tell you when to begin the rituals, but will also tell till when they should be performed.

Marriage Muhurat 2014 is consisted of many auspicious days and dates for marriage, so that you can select the one that suits you the best. Taking any step toward marriage is impossible without Guna Matching. The Wedding Dates or Vivah Mahuraths are usually decided based on the combined consideration of horoscope and stars of the Bride and Groom. Various factors are considered while finding auspicious dates in Hindu marriages. Akshaya Tritiya is considered as one of the most auspicious wedding dates. Holding wedding in Chaturmas period is also considered highly auspicious.

Significance of the position of Moon and Sun in choosing an auspicious date

According to Hindu Vedic astrology, the first step that is taken before fixing marriage of an eligible boy and girl is to match their zodiac signs. This helps in understanding their nature and compatibility. Each zodiac sign has a different meaning and zodiac sign has a big impact in a person’s character. This is where astrologer helps a person in matching and informing the couple about their compatibility and future married life. When the astrologer reads groom’s astrology chart he reads it in accordance with moon’s position and when he reads bride’s chart then he matches it with sun’s position. If the astrologer finds that both situations or dasha’s are suiting each other, then on the basis of that dasha he informs the couple and their family about auspicious wedding time and date.

Apart from moon and sun, phases of Nakshatra in which bride and groom were born and the letter corresponding to it are also considered while calculating the date and time of marriage.

Inauspicious Time- Birthdays can be times of trial, so they are recommended to be avoided. Even if someone is planning to get married in court then also importance and consideration should be given to date and time of marriage

According to astrology, there are certain phases or periods which are not considered auspicious to perform marriages ceremonies. These phases are: displacement of Venus and Jupiter, Solar or Lunar eclipse, Pitra Paksha, Bhishma Panchak etc.

Types of Indian Wedding - Maharashtrian Wedding

The Maharashtrian Marriage Rituals usually start in the mornings. Usually observed by the Marathis the entire wedding process be it a arranged or love marriage, starts with matching the horoscopes. Astrology plays a key role in Indian Weddings. After the family priest matches the gunas or horoscopes of Bride and Groom, the date is finalized for other ceremonies. 

The preparation of the wedding starts with Sakhar Puda. This is the first ritual of the wedding. As the marriage is finalized the bride-to-be is gifted a Red colored Wedding Sari along with a some sugar or Marathi sweets, by the groom’s family. This is usually symbolic to an informal Engagement of the couple.

After this a 'Puja' is performed at the respective houses of Bride and Groom called Kelvan Ritual. In this ceremony, both the families offer their prayers to their Kuldevta .

The Halad Chadavane or Haldi ceremony involves mango leaves that have been immersed in haldi paste. Its applied on the body of Bride and Groom. Haldi is considered auspicious and has been scientifically proved to have medicinal value. If applied in a form on paste, haldi improves complexion and reduces the affects of acne. This is followed by Ghana Bharne. Performed by Five Married Women grinding rice grains holding five sticks together.  The bride and her mother holds the sticks to give direction. Similar thing is performed by the groom’s mother at her place.

The Wedding Celebration of the Maharashtrian Wedding begins with a Ganapati Puja to seek blessings of Lord Ganesh. The Maternal Uncle walks the Bride to the Mandap where the main ceremony will take place. The Seeman Puja is conducted when the Groom arrives at the Wedding venue. The Bride's parents wash groom's feet as a sign of welcome, and shower him with gifts usually made of gold. 

At the Mandap a silk partition is created to separate the Bride and Groom. It  is said that Bride and Groom should not look at each other as it brings bad luck. Now the priest recites Mantras, and the antarpat (silk veil) dividing the Bride and Groom is removed for the couple to see each other. The guests shower the couple with akshata or unbroken rice grains as the couple exchange garlands. This is meant to bring luck to the newly weds. 

The Kanyadan ceremony is done by the Bride's parents. Her hand is given to the Groom formally and holy water is poured as the Priest chants vedic mantras. The Groom ties the Mangalsutra around the Bride's neck and finalizing the final act of marriage ceremony. In the Hindu traditions, Sndoor or Vermillion and Mangalsutra are true symbols of a married women. 

The Seven Vows or Satapadhi ritual is when the couple take seven vows or seven circles around the Sacred fire. The fire deity is appeased and the couple ask blessings.
After each circle around the fire, the Bride has to touch her right foot to a heap of rice. Seven heaps of rice for seven circles around the fire.

 The girl also has to touch seven small heaps of rice with her right foot.

The Karmasampati ritual is when the Bride’s father, along with the newly married couple, prays to the lord for his blessings. To add a dash of humor to the ceremony, sometimes bride’s father or brother playfully twist groom’s ear, reminding him of his responsibility towards the bride. All this is followed by a grand lunch to mark the completion of wedding ceremonies.

The Vidai or Varat ritual marks the emotional moment when bride bids goodbye to her family members and take steps towards her husband’s house. The Newlyweds proceed to their new home and the Groom's family welcomes the new member to her house. Aarti is done and blessings give as the Bride enters  her new home. She is considered the pride of the family now, who will bring success and prosperity to the family. Her entry in the new house is considered auspicious and she is welcomed in the family with full warmth and love.