Let the Wedding Festivities Begin!

India is a land of many rituals, religions, customs and traditions.  Wedding ceremonies usually  take place over several days. One of these ceremonies is the Manjha ceremony and is performed on the third day.  The bride wears yellow clothes and is anointed with a combination of turmeric, sandalwood and chameli oil. This turmeric paste is applied to her hands. The bride wears no makeup and only jewelry made from fresh flowers.  Family and close friends adorn not just the bride, but her entire family with gift of sweets, outfits, gold & jewelry.  

The fourth day is the Mehndi ceremony, which is one of the much awaited rituals of the wedding. A professional mehndi artist (mehndiwalli)  comes to the house and applies an intricate design with henna to the brides arms and feet.  This process can take several hours. The purpose is to make the bride's skin glow naturally. The bride is then presented to her friends and family.  Joy filled the atmosphere as everyone was singing and dancing!   I was honored to photograph such a beautiful occasion. Congratulations to the Haq Family!