Akshaya Tritiya – Auspicious Day for Weddings

Akshaya Tritiya or Akha Teej, is considered to be an Auspicious day for Hindus in India. It is a day to start new ventures, buy something significant and most importantly a day for muhurat for marriages. In Urban India, this day is auspicious for buying jewellery. You will see many top jewellers offering schemes and discounts to attract customers. Culturally, this day has lot of religious significance. 

The importance and significance of Akshaya Tritiya- 

Akshaya means ‘eternal’ and Tritiya stands for ‘third day'. This day falls on the third day of the lunar fortnight of the Hindu month of Vaishakh (Baisakh), and hence the name. It is said that holy rites, rituals and acts of charity performed on this day bring unending Bliss, Grace, and Prosperity. The grand importance of this day roots back to Indian mythology. 

It is said that the God of wealth and the treasurer of all deities, Kubera, prayed to Goddess Lakshmi on this special day, and was granted a gift of perpetual wealth and prosperity. This is why this day is so auspicious for starting new business ventures like buying a new property or investing in Gold. The day is also important to get married, as it assures prosperity and benefits in a relationship. In many households, a day-long Kubera-Lakshmi puja is performed.

Mythological it is said that on Akshaya Tritiya the holy river Ganga descended on Earth from the heavens on this day. This is the day when the sage Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Vishnu, was born. Also this day the Treta Yug, the period of the holy Ramayana, commenced. Hence its holy significance. Also on this very day the Guru Ved Vyasa initiated the recital of the great Indian epic Mahabharata before lord Ganesha.

Lord Krishna’s childhood friend Sudama, visited Dwarka to him and offered him a humble gift of poha (rice flakes). Therefore, Vaishnavas (worshippers of lord Vishnu) fast throughout the day and open their fasts with rice.

Significance for couples

According to a South Indian legend, Goddess Madhura got married to God Sundaresa (an incarnation of lord Shiva) on this day. Therefore, the couples who marry on this day are blessed with eternal prosperity and bliss, by the gods themselves. Akshaya Tritiya always sees an unprecedented rush in the number of marriages taking place in the India. There is an unmatched demand for venue bookings in the urban and rural cities of the country. 

The auspiciousness of this day arises from the belief that on this day, sun and moon are in their most radiant phase and, astrologically at an exalted position. It is believed that  couples with un-matched horoscopes can also get married on Akshaya Tritiya. The day washes away all the negativity of the charts and stars and there is a new beginning for the couple.

There are endless tales and legends that depict the divine virtues that are inherent in the day. In many states, mass community marriages are organized under a single mandap, on this day to help the brides and grooms with limited financial means.  

Bollywood Actors Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai got married on Akshaya Tritiya in year 2007. 

Akshaya meaning eternal or something that cannot be destroyed or never diminishes. Therefore, it is a popular belief that buying something as valuable as gold, on this day, will bring luck and prosperity. Therefore, Gold shopping is a popular activity on this day. If not jewellery, many people simply buy small gold coins with Goddess Lakshmi engraved on them.

Ways to cut Wedding cost

Weddings are usually for splurging and Bride's are no different. We understand that this is your most important day but why spend on unnecessary items when you can save the money and use it for maybe a trip overseas or refurbishing you room according to your taste etc. If you have a vast budget then please go ahead and waste, but i have always felt that a penny saved is a penny wise. Weddings can go as extravagant as you want, the key is to keep it within a budget and save some for the future travel or hobbies. 

Bride's Trousseau

We all know that 95 percent of us are not going to wear the Wedding Lehenga ever again after marriage. Spending half of your wedding budget on a Wedding Lehenga for one night, especially if its costing half of your wedding budget is not a great move. I know you want to look like a queen on your wedding, but i doubt its a smart move in current times. My advice, you ditch the designer label, and instead research through the magazines, browse the net for the perfect dress, design and color and ask your trusted tailor or budding designer friend. 
There are easier routes too, like buying during the sale season, or purchasing through the online stores etc. 
Never do your wedding shopping in a mall. The beautiful dresses displayed in malls can be way too expensive than any other shops.
Same is for your rest of the trousseau. Buy chick designs which you can flaunt in you daily day wear. Our advice? Splurge on the lingerie!!

Makeup

We all want to look our best on our wedding day. Glowing skin, blemish free is every brides dream. And no one can deny the importance of make up in this. So instead of going for a complete mismatch of colors and cosmetics, we suggest you decide the attire first and then go for makeup shopping. Many Brides are going for cosmetic surgeries before their wedding... that is a personal choice. We all agree that good exercise and healthy diet makes you healthy always.

Jewellery

Make a wish list. The list includes your jewellery, bridal costumes, makeup kits, etc. Prioritize your preferences according to required money and time.

Have a versatile look. Marriage is a day everybody wants to make it memorable. Have a versatile look; shop something unique, lovely and gorgeous jewellery sets. If you lack money, revamp your mother’s jewellery for the special day. Also buy few jewellery pieces you can wear in daily routine.

Try opting for interchangeable bridal jewellery. Interchangeable jewellery provides you more choices to make experiments with your look. Just use your imagination and wear a new look flawlessly.

Modify old jewellery. We, Indian girls are blessed with a rich collection of jewellery, we collect since our childhood; why not pay attention to that. You can exchange them with new jewellery sets or you can get customized them using your creativity. Think wisely!

Footwear

Ah, those dainty little feet of yours need to match the attire. In fact, many brides ignore footwear till the last minute which results in over-spending, mostly in hideous golden heels which are never touched again. Buying your footwear should be considered around the same time when you are buying your bridal attire. Your wedding entails long hours, constant action and little rest. Choose comfortable sandals/shoes that won't leave your feet hurt. Indian weddings mean bling. It however does not give you freedom to buy the gaudiest of footwear.
Buy sensibly so that you can wear it in future.

Choosing your Bridal Lehenga

Bridal Lehenga is the most important attire for the Bride on her Wedding day. Its the day when she will be the cynosure of everyone's eyes. So Brides have to take an extra care choosing her Bridal Lehenga, paying attention to the fabric, figure, color and ofcourse the fitting.

Though there are several fabric and material options available in the market, you have to understand which style will complement you best. Before you finalize the designs or the designer i would suggest you consider the following - 

- Weather or Season: Summer or Winter 

- Time: Morning or Evening

- Body type: Hourglass, pear-shaped and the likes

When selecting your lehanga, it is important to try different fabrics. You can get a feel for the weight, quality, and structure of the garment. See how the fabric "moves." This will also help you to narrow your search and focus on the fabrics that you are comfortable in. 

With so many choices, how does a bride choose what is right for her?

If you have decided to have a Summer Wedding or you don’t have experience wearing a lehenga for long stretches of time, avoid wearing a fabric that will make you feel uncomfortable with rising temperature. Use some light fabrics like Chiffon or Georgette. Chiffon with its elegance and sheer quality gives quite a graceful drape. Georgette. on the other hand has a grainy sheer texture. Though it is not as soft and lustrous as chiffon, it drapes well and is easy to maintain. In a chiffon lehenga or a Georgette lehenga, you will have enough comfort to perform all the wedding rituals without breaking a sweat !

For a Winter Wedding, a Silk lehenga may be the best choice. Silk adds a touch of glamour and elegance and drapes well on any body type. If you find silk as an expensive option then you Satin. A Satin lehenga is a classy option, as it feels smooth and drapes well on brides with a slightly fuller body. 

If you have a slim figure, Organza may be a good fabric choice for you. Organza has a stiff drape and falls away from the body and therefore women built on the heavier side should avoid this fabric. Because of the way this fabric falls, organza can bring a Crispy freshness to your wedding lehenga. Plus-size women should always choose some fabric that has a smooth drape and which tends to cling to the body. The preferred fabric for women with such a built would be silk, chiffon or Georgette.

Another excellent choice of fabric for your wedding lehenga is Crepe. Crepe is another fabric which looks beautiful and drapes well into soft flares. However, it can be a bit expensive for brides with an eye on the budget. One thing you have to remember though that crepe though a luxurious fabric with a dull sheen, tends to shrink a lot. If you don't care for the budget then crepe is a good option for you. 

Another fabric that is rich and elegant is Brocade. It makes you feel like a queen and gives a classy look to the Bride. Brocade is a rich and elegant fabric, woven on a jacquard loom and is usually stiff. But with its intricate designs and lovely motifs, the lehenga will get a designer look. Brocade can be heavy fabric for Brides preferring softer, lighter fabric. We suggest you go for trials before getting  it stitched.  

 A glamorous choice for your wedding day look can be a net lehanga. You can choose some elegant fabric like chiffon, Georgette or silk as its lining for making it a really beautiful wedding outfit. Last but not least, if your skin is allergic to synthetic fabrics, try to make the lehanga with some skin friendly fabric. Go for organic silk or other such fabrics. Cotton lehenga made with fine and soft cotton with sheen can also do provided you decorate it with some special fabrics and trims like net and laces. You can even have a net lehenga with a lining of fine soft cotton. The aim should be ultimate comfort so that the bride too can enjoy her own wedding!

Choosing the color of your Lehenga

Selecting a perfect bridal lehenga is a task in itself as more than the color of the season, it depends on the style and color that suits you. Marriage is an occasion, which is forever remembered by you and people who were invited to your wedding. So you need something that will have a lasting impact not only on your guests but also on the pictures in your photo album that you will so fondly keep viewing for the rest of your life. So you need to make the right cut.

For December Weddings you can go in for a warm shade that will flatter the mood. You can consider burgundy, rust or may be onion pink for your attire. Avoid wearing blue-to-greens shades, as they will conflict with the feel of the season. You can go for contrasting colors. But remember to use colors in such a manner that the dark colors are more pronounced and at certain specific places than the light ones.

However, a bride needs to like what she is wearing. If you know your color, go for it. Don’t be hesitant to buy a lehenga of your choice just because it’s not the color of the season. In your wedding, the color on your cheeks will matter more than the color of the season or latest trends. So don’t compromise with your liking.

Wedding Pledge for a healthy Marriage

The 'Saat Vachan' or Seven Vows that every couple takes as they tie the knot of togetherness in Hindu Marriages are the core of Marriage Ceremony. These vows are very significant and in Sanskrit. In the current changing times though, there seems a need to revamp the traditional promises, and add something new to them. Well if you wish, there is certainly room for those pledges to turn into personal statements of your love and commitment. Here are a few ideas from us, for your seven vows that you can take together and prepare for your marriage...

Pledge 1- Respect each others space - While we all know that matrimony is all about doing things together and spending quality time etc.. but it is extremely important that you keep some 'ME' time for yourself too. Diversity in a relationship is important. Respecting each others hobbies and space adds up to a healthy relationship and we all know that a little distance makes the heart grow fonder!!

Pledge 2- Role-reversal - In today's fast-paced life, it is hardly about “who wears the pants” anymore. Since you are equals and a team your tasks should not dictate gender bias. Just cos you are a man does'nt imply that you cannot do home chores. It is important that you swap work once a while to respect what the other is doing. Keep one day of week (sundays maybe) when your husband prepares a meal. 

Pledge 3- We know you gave your heart, now give your ears too.. in other words listen! 

We all know that listening is a rare skill, but for a healthy relationship you both need to listen to each other. You can have different opinions, motivations and strong viewpoints. It is imperative that you understand each other's ideas, and respect the individuality of the other. If you try to burden each other by what you feel is right, then your dream of smooth relationship will be over soon. So our advice is the take a pledge to listen to each other. 

Pledge 4- Don’t be secretive -  Now that you are starting a new journey, treat your partner like a buddy (your partner in crime!). You can cause a lot of misunderstanding if you try to be too mysterious about  any matter. We are not telling you to tell all about your ex's here. But any financial transactions- like loans, medical problems, career shifts, etc have to discussed like a team. It is not fair to be secretive and keep things away from your significant other. Remember, mutual trust is always a deal important. 

Pledge 5- Don't snoop around- 

Prying is bad. You really don't need to know much about his/her facebook status or the whatsapp messages/ mobile activities if you trust your better half. I reiterate here, that one needs to respect each others space and intent if you want a healthy and fruitful relationship. Constant monitoring of callers log won't get you anywhere. 

If you have any concerns about anyone then i suggest you talk it out honestly with your partner. 

Pledge 6- Partners in parenthood- Parenting is a joint effort. So, please make a solemn declaration to divide responsibilities and tasks after your baby is born.  Yes we all know that its a mothers job to nurture. But it would be great if you show equal contribution in the process of nursing and nurturing the baby. Unburdening each other with a sense of sharing will make your marriage a blissful journey, even after a few years.

Pledge 7 Judging your partner - Sure, certain activities of your partner may bother you, but to sustain a healthy relationship, you should not be critical about your partner’s actions. You are making a lifelong commitment, so you need not put them under the scanner at every stage. Do not comment on your spouse while attending a family function or meeting your parents. It will corrode your love life.

Though i have mentioned Seven Pledges, last but not the least is to understand your spouse’s social circle. It  is important step to accepting his/her background and making your future strong. Let's not forget that your spouse had other people in her/his life before you came in picture. We do not mean that you should drag your buddies into your personal space, but you should also allow your spouse the freedom to mingle with their group of friends. Promise this to each other, and see the results.

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.