Traditional Indian Hindu Wedding Ceremony in India

We met Harshdev and Radhika for the first time on Skype a few months before their Hindu wedding in Gujarat, India.
We felt so blessed that we could be part of their wedding days with so many traditional rituals.
With Indian weddings, there is a traditional ritual called Vidaai, where the bride’s family greets the bride as she leaves with her new husband. The bride’s relatives accompany her to the exit of the wedding venue and, before crossing the threshold, the bride is given a handful of rice, or coins, which she is asked to throw behind her head as she leaves. This symbolizes gratitude to her parents for all the love they have given her over the years. This ritual is one of the most emotional phases of the wedding day for both the bride and her parents.

Although it is a traditional ritual, for them we knew it represented reality, as Radhika would leave Nadiad in Gujarat with her husband to start a new life in Australia. She was happy for the wedding, however terribly sad that she must leave her parents.

They had an arranged marriage. Kunj, Harshdev’s aunt, was a school friend of Radhika’s mother and she introduced his parents to hers. After various conversations between them, they got to know each other’s families. They also found out that Harshdev’s grandfather used to study with Radhika’s grandmother during their school years. Harshdev’s mother initially showed WhatsApp photos of Radhika to him. There was something about her that he found attractive.

Both parents agreed that it was fine for them to begin a conversation, which started via Radhika’s mother’s phone.
They would chat every day and talk about their likes and dislikes and Harshdev understood that Radhika was a great singer.

The first time they met was a surprise visit by Harshdev when he also met her family. This visit to India marked their first date. Harshdev planned a private candle lit dinner date at Madhuban resort. This was also the first time he told her, “I LOVE YOU” in person.

Upon his return to Australia they continued staying in touch and they started to plan their wedding days.

Their wedding was held at Jalashray resort in Nadiad.
Prior to the wedding day, they took part in many rituals and functions, including an evening of performed dances by family members.
All of these days were very memorable. An authentic Hindu wedding with lovely families and friends.
We felt at home with them, for both our time in Gujarat for the wedding days and in Rajasthan for their honeymoon, together with their closest friends.
We had an amazing time visiting various cities, the lakes in Udaipur and eating authentic Indian food.
We will never forget this incredible experience.