There always comes a time when you have to see off a beloved family member through a wedding, and that time came for me… to see off my eldest sister off (it was quite an emotional experience!)
It all last ten days, which is average for an Indian wedding. They are definitely well known for their magnificent colours and long weddings!
There were four different event, which are in order from start to finish:
Registration – Of course, you have to do the normal formalities of registering as wife and husband in the eyes of the English law.
 |
| The dinner after the registration. |
Nikkah – The indian ceremony of marriage, which is where we classed them as married in the Muslim religion. The ceremony is normally prayed by a Muslim priest – as you would a normal English marriage except in a slightly different way… The bride isn’t present but people are sent to get her consent and signature.
 |
| Cheeky selfie, pre-nikkah in traditional clothing |
 |
| Me and my dad at the nikkah |
 |
| Mum and grandma at the nikkah |
Mendhi Piti – This is just another indian tradition, where the bride’s family apply a yellow paste which is meant to make the bride’s skin ‘glow’ before the wedding.
In the evening, the mendhi is then applied to all of the family and the bride in preparation for the reception.
 |
| Two sisters applying ‘piti’ |
Reception – The final yet the biggest event, where most of the community would attend and celebrate them as being a married couple. At the end, there is the ‘vidaay’ where the bride is given away to her new husband and his family (the most emotional part!) and they then travel to the groom’s home.
 |
| Me and my sister, pre-reception |
 |
| The cars |
Overall, it was a fantastic wedding and a nice break from home too. Couldn’t have found a better husband for my eldest sister & she’s extremely happy too. Now she’s finally settled down in her new married home and leading the life of a ‘indian’ wife 😉
