BARAAT: the groom’s wedding procession, usually includes family and friends dancing towards the ceremony venue with the groom on a horse
DANDIA: colorful sticks used in the Gujurati folk dance (also, Daandia)
DULHA: the groom
DULHAN: the bride
GANESH PUJA: Most auspicious Indian ceremonies to begin with the worship of Ganesha, so that he can help remove any obstacles that may stand in the path of this union.
GARBA: a traditional Gujurati folk dance; a pre‐wedding evening of dance organized by the bride’s family
GRANTHI: a Sikh priest
GURUDWARA: the Sikh temple or place of worship
HAALDI: A pre-wedding ceremony where a paste known as Ubtan containing turmeric, herbs and chandan (sandalwood) is applied on the face, arms and feet of the bride and groom
HAAR: a floral necklace
HAVAN: lighting the sacred fire before a Hindu prayer or wedding ritual
HAVAN KUND: A vessel in which fire is lit for Puja (Prayer).
HEENA: a colored paste made from the green leaves of a henna plant used to decorate the hands and feet of the bride
JAIMALA: a Hindu wedding ceremony where the bride and groom exchange garlands
MANDAP: a decorated four‐pillared canopy under which the bride and groom have their Hindu wedding ceremony
MANGALSUTRA: Sacred necklace that the groom ties around the bride’s neck signifying their marriage.
MASJID: the Muslim place of worship
MEHNDI: a ceremony or celebration where guests have the opportunity to apply henna in event setting for the wedding occasions. Mostly females apply henna but now unisex to apply henna.
MILNI: a ceremony before the wedding where the men of both the bride’s and groom’s families meet to exchange hugs and garlands of flowers
NIKKAH: the Muslim wedding ceremony
PANDIT: a Hindu priest (also, Pundit)
PITHI: a ceremony where the bride and groom are covered in a yellow powder that is made into paste
PUJA/POOJA: a Hindu prayer
RAAS: a traditional Hindu dance in pairs and short sticks, called Dandia, which involves hitting the partner’s sticks while following the rhythm of the music
SANGEET: a pre‐wedding custom involving women gathering together to sing traditional folk songs and verses
SHAADI: the Indian wedding ceremony
VIDAAI: the departure of the newly married couple
WALIMA/VALIMA: The reception held after the Muslim wedding