Duration: 3 Days
Cities Covered: Jaipur
Knotty Indian Affair
Knotty Indian Affair
Overview
Highlights
- Experience a vibrant, abridged Indian wedding ceremony
- Participate in traditional pre-wedding rituals like Sangeet and Haldi
- Witness the royal groom’s procession (Barat) with music and dance
- Enjoy cultural customs such as Jaimal, Saat Phere, and Mangalsutra ceremony
- Learn and celebrate with the family and friends role-played by Ashoka Holidays
- Explore unique Indian wedding traditions and glossary terms
Itinerary
The Knotty Indian Affair Tour is a celebration of love blended with India’s vibrant culture and royal charm. From palaces and forts to romantic backdrops, it offers couples an unforgettable wedding or honeymoon experience in true Indian style.
Tour Plan
Welcome and Sangeet Ceremony
Arrive at Jaipur and check into your hotel for lunch and rest. In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant Sangeet ceremony — a musical celebration filled with dance and song. Traditionally held at the bride’s home, this event features ladies singing to the beats of the double-headed hand drum, Bollywood hits, and performances by friends and family. Enjoy refreshments and bonding as you take part in this colorful ritual.
Key Customs:
- “Atithi Devo Bhav” meaning “Guest is God”
- Raksha Sutra: A protective thread tied on the wrist
- Tilak: Vermillion mark applied on the forehead
Turmeric Ritual, Mehendi, and Wedding Ceremony
Begin your day with the Haldi ritual where the bride and groom are adorned with a turmeric and sandalwood paste believed to enhance beauty. A professional henna artist then applies intricate Mehendi designs on the bride’s hands and feet.
In the evening, the bride and groom don traditional attire — the groom in a brocaded Sherwani and the bride in an embroidered lehenga with ethnic jewelry. The groom leads the lively Barat procession on a decorated horse or chariot, accompanied by a brass band. At the venue, guests welcome the groom with garlands and Tilak.
The couple exchanges garlands (Jaimal), followed by a photo session and dinner. Then, at the Mandap, the priest chants sacred hymns as the couple takes the Saat Phere — seven sacred circumambulations around the fire, each symbolizing a vow. The bride’s father performs Kanyadan by placing her hand in the groom’s. The groom applies Sindoor and ties the Mangalsutra.
Enjoy the playful ritual where sisters-in-law hide the groom’s shoes, returning them only for a price. The bride and groom’s room is decorated with flowers and candles for their first night.
Fun and Farewell Rituals
After breakfast, family and friends gather for a playful custom involving a pot of water mixed with milk, vermillion, rings, and coins. The bride and groom each get seven chances to fish out the ring, predicting who will hold the upper hand in the marriage. Finally, bid farewell to the newlyweds with heartfelt wishes as their journey begins.