Chirag+Anita: The Big Day!

It is finally here in all of its magnificence!!! :)

I've decided to include little stories with a quick explanation of the rituals in these images for all of you who are getting introduced to the incredible world of Indian culture for the first time (I know I was and many of my friends will be)
*all the info is taken from the booklet that Chirag and Anita prepared for their guests

Baraat, the wedding procession, traditionally begins at the groom's home and ends at the bride's home to symbolize the start of the wedding.

Chirag was thinking he'd arrive on a white horse, but instead he got a much bigger "horse" with a biiiig trunk :))))) Surprise from Anita!!! Can you believe that Anita was able to keep her secret plan from everyone for quite a long time!? Here is Chirag seeing his big ride!

The procession was so loud, joyous and colorful, that I think everyone in the area could hear it (and regular hotel guests kept stopping in admiration) Anita was spying from the 10th floor :)

Moments before the ceremony

Indian culture celebrates marriage as a sacrament, a rite enabling two individuals to start their journey in life together. According to Vedas, the Hindu scriptures, marriage is a sacred life long commitment between a man and a woman. Throughout the ceremony, the pandit (priest) chants prayers in Sanskrit, the most ancient surviving language, and the ceremony is performed under a decorated canopy (mandap). The four pillars which support it represent the four parents of the couple, without whose support, love and blessings the marriage would not have come to take place. It is within the mandap that a new life will begin and the families will continue their role as caring guides.

Anita is escorted to the mandap by her brother and her maternal uncle.

Prior to her entering a white cloth (antarpat) was held around Chirag so that he couldn't see her. After the traditional poem was performed, the antarpat was removed and the couple got a chance to see each other for the 1st time!

During the reception

First dance

I know that this wedding will stay in our memories forever, and we wish Chirag&Anita a lifetime of happiness and unforgettable moments together, every step of the way!