The Events
MEHNDI
Friday, May 25th • 6:30 pm • Patel Residence
Mehndi night is a pre-wedding ritual, during which the bride’s hands and feet are adorned with a decorative design created from henna. Mehndi symbolizes the strength of the union between the soon-to-be-married couple, and it is believed that the deeper the color of a bride’s mehndi, the happier and more prosperous her marriage will be. Mehndi night is similar to a bridal shower, and family members and bridesmaids celebrate the bride-to-be and also have their hands decorated with henna.
Attire: Indian attire (salwar kameez, sarees, lehengas) or casual attire
GARBA-RAAS
Saturday, May 26th • 7:00 pm • Regency Ballroom
Garba-Raas is a traditional form of Indian dance that is popular amongst Gujaratis. Many Indian weddings have a “Sangeet” or “Garba Night” before the wedding day where the families and guests come together to dance, eat, and mingle. There will be performances followed by Garba, a typical folk dance with circular, rhythmic steps, and Raas, a dance involving festive sticks called dandiya. The steps are easy to learn, and it’s fun to watch even if you’re not the dancing type.
Attire: Indian attire (ghagra or chaniya choli, lehengas, kurtas) or business casual (colorful dresses or skirts, slacks, button down shirts)
BARAAT
Sunday, May 27th • 10:00 am • Reston Town Center
The groom climbs atop a horse and rides to the wedding venue, led by a procession of his family and friends. The bride’s family joins in the music and dancing to celebrate his arrival.
WEDDING CEREMONY
Sunday, May 27th • 11:00 am • Grand Ballroom
The wedding ceremony rituals take place under the mandap, a canopy supported on four pillars. The ceremony depicts a story of the bride and groom meeting at the wedding mandap, the bride’s parents giving her away to a worthy man, the couple committing to each other by taking seven vows, each represented by walking around the sacred fire, and the friends and family blessing the newly wedded couple.
- First step: To respect and honor each other
- Second step: To share each other’s joy and sorrow
- Third step: To trust and be loyal to each other
- Fourth step: To cultivate appreciation for knowledge, values, sacrifice and service
- Fifth step: To appreciate purity of emotions, love, family duties and spiritual growth
- Sixth step: To follow principles of Dharma
- Seventh step: To nurture an eternal bond of friendship and love
Lunch to follow.
Attire: Indian attire (sarees, kurtas) or formal attire (dresses, suits)
WEDDING RECEPTION
Sunday, May 27th • 6:00 pm • Grand Ballroom
Celebrating the newly wedded couple. Cocktail hour will be followed by a formal program, dinner, and dancing.
Attire: Indian attire or formal attire (cocktail dresses, gowns, suits). Guests may choose to change from their ceremony attire, but this is not necessary.