· Chapter Three · Events ·

उत्सव

Two days, four rites, one wedding.

The full schedule — written so a first-time guest at an Indian wedding can follow along.

Day One

Tuesday · December 1, 2026

  • 10:00 AM

    हल्दी

    Haldi

    Turmeric paste, applied by family and friends to bless the bride and groom — one of the oldest, most joyful rites in an Indian wedding. Wear something you don't mind staining yellow forever.

    Attire: Bright, casual, ideally yellow.

    · Common colors ·

    • haldi yellow
    • marigold
    • warm orange
    • ivory
    • soft saffron

  • 7:00 PM

    संगीत + मेहंदी

    Sangeet + Mehndi

    Music, dance, and the wildly choreographed performances that families spend months preparing — combined with mehndi (henna) artists on hand for anyone who wants designs done. Wear something with sleeves you don't mind rolling up; mehndi takes 20–30 minutes to set, so plan a slow lap around the dance floor while it dries.

    Attire: Festive — lehengas, kurtas, suits, sarees. Bring your dancing feet.

    · Common colors — emerald & deep greens ·

    • bottle green
    • pine
    • emerald
    • mehndi
    • forest

Day Two

Wednesday · December 2, 2026

· A note on Day Two attire ·

Guests have full freedom to wear whatever they're most comfortable in — Western formal works perfectly.

For the ladies looking for inspiration: saree and lehenga are both classic options— wear whichever you love. Below are the colors you’ll see most often.

· Common palette for ladies ·

  • pink
  • blue
  • white
  • turquoise

  • 6:00 PM

    बारात

    Baraat

    The groom's procession — Prashant arrives accompanied by music, dancing, and an embarrassing number of relatives. Guests are welcome to join in. Expect dhol drums, fireworks, and at least one uncle on a horse.

    Attire: Traditional formal — dress to be photographed.

  • 8:00 PM

    विवाह

    Ceremony

    The wedding itself. Vedic rites under the mandap, including the saat phere — seven sacred rounds around the fire. The ceremony rolls directly into dinner, dancing, and celebration; the night runs all the way through. Pace yourself.

    Attire: Traditional or cocktail formal — and comfortable shoes.

· A note on attire ·

If you don't have Indian formalwear — wear what you'd wear to a cocktail wedding back home. We mean it.

Anyone who wants help finding a kurta or saree in Austin or Ranchi, ping us — we'll point you to good places.