For a truly memorable marriage - India is the place.

A Hindu Wedding Ceremony

The wedding Ceremony is held in the evening or night, on a date and time which is deemed auspicious - after duly consulting almanacs and the horoscopes of the partners to be. It is usually a culmination of a series of related ceremonies such as sangeet (a gathering of family and friends to sing and dance-celebrating the coming together of two families.) For the Wedding itself a mandap is erected -a sort of elaborately decorated tent, and a "havan" is lit -sacred fire for sanctity and purification inside the mundap. The pundit-a high caste Brahmin, now, solemnizes the contract by reciting and getting the couple to recite Vedic hymns from our 7000 year old Aryan ancestry. This is followed by (or can be accompanied by) feasting, music and celebratory shows for the guests.

An Outline For A Memorable Wedding Tour in India

A Palace is reserved for two nights for the marriage party - who drive down from Delhi in a coach - and picnic on the way.

Arriving by mid-day they rest briefly, followed by a mehndi ceremony (traditional decoration of hands and feets using henna), shringar (traditional bridal makeup, kajal kohl, attar) for the bride - all this takes at least two hours, before the start of the marriage rituals. The programme includes - -

The Palace is illuminated and traditional folk performers entertain the guests.

The Dinner feast follows- Tandoori Chicken and Tikka platters for Indian food aficionados.

Perhaps, a round of Champagne and cocktails- there is good local rum in abundance.

Entertainment consisting of- Torchlight camel possession by the locals, fireworks, musicians, dancing horse show -this continues late into the night.

Sightseeing the next day, for those still able bodied - the Shekhawati region is famous for its painted havelis.

And finally, assistance, with the witnessing and registration formalities.

All this for a minimum of 30 people.

The Best Time - This region can be wonderful October onwards (day time highs hitting the low 30s and nighttime lows 20s) to the end of November (daytime highs in the mid 20s, nighttime lows of 12).

A 10 days trip through the most 'INDIAN' part of India where Muslim or British architecture is virtually non existent. The amazingly ornate temples characterize Tamil Nadu-home of the Dravadian culture best. This tour affords an incredible peek at our artistery and the source of its inspiration- religion!