professional is hired to paint the hands and feet of the bride and her female friends and family. The second night is reserved for the Sangeet. By this time, the henna should be dried. The bride and groom, their families, and friends, and even some of the wedding guests (if the couple wishes) are invited to mingle and enjoy a meal. Typically during this party, the bride and groom’s close friends and relatives perform tra- ditional dances for the couple. Day Three The third day is the formal wedding where the bride and groom will be declared married. The morning of the ceremony, the mandap is con- structed using four pillars. These pillars each represent one of the four parents. Once con- struction is complete, the groom and his soon- to-be mother-in-law meet there before the ceremony where she’ll wash his feet and offer him milk and honey. While his feet are being washed, the bride’s sister tries to steal his shoes. If she succeeds, the groom must pay her to get them back! They then depart for photos and to finish getting ready. Ceremony The ceremony begins with the Baraat – or the groom’s arrival. He arrives to the ceremony on a decorated white horse, circled by singing and dancing family members and friends. Once he descends, he is greeted by the bride’s parents and family and is presented with gifts. The el- ders then escort the groom to the mandap where he is expected to remove his shoes before being seated under the mandap. The bride makes her entrance, escorted down the aisle by her uncle. When she reaches the mandap, the bride and groom each place a floral garland around the other’s neck to show their acceptance of one another. Legend says that the darker the henna stain, the stronger the bond between the bride and her groom. 3 4 5 6 7