What Happens At An Indian Wedding?

If you’ve ever stumbled upon an Indian wedding in full swing, you’ll know it’s not something you watch — it’s something you feel. The air hums with music, the scent of marigolds and cardamom lingers, and somewhere, an aunty is arguing about whether the DJ should switch from Bollywood to bhangra.

When I first attended an Indian wedding in Melbourne — at a vineyard, of all places — I quickly realised this wasn’t just a ceremony. It was a symphony—three days of laughter, colour, rituals, and more outfit changes than a theatre production. Indian weddings aren’t quiet affairs; they’re full-blown community festivals, uniting not just two people but two families, and often two entire neighbourhoods.

Every ritual, every dance, every handful of rice tossed into the air carries centuries of meaning. And yet, no two Indian weddings are the same. A Punjabi celebration in Dandenong will feel worlds apart from a South Indian ceremony in Clayton, yet both share the same heartbeat: joy, family, and faith.

Whether it’s a Hindu couple circling the sacred fire under a flower-draped Mandap, or a Muslim Nikah held in a hall with glittering fairy lights, there’s something profoundly moving about how these traditions endure. They remind us that love — in all its forms — deserves a grand stage.

And if you’re attending one for the first time, buckle up. Between the Mehndi designs, the Sangeet dance-offs, and the endless feast of butter chicken, biryani, and gulab jamun, you’re in for a cultural marathon dressed in sequins.

A Celebration In Three Acts: How Long Does An Indian Wedding Last?

If you thought one day was enough to get married, wait until you meet an Indian family. Most Indian weddings stretch across two to three days — sometimes even five if the families really lean into tradition. Each day carries a distinct emotional tone: anticipation, devotion, and unrestrained celebration.

When I helped plan an Indian-Australian wedding in the Yarra Valley last summer, the groom’s side arrived armed with colour-coded spreadsheets and playlists. “Day one is the Mehndi, day two the Haldi and Sangeet, day three the ceremony and reception,” his sister declared, as though announcing a music festival lineup. And honestly, she wasn’t wrong — that’s precisely what it felt like.

Here’s how the timeline typically unfolds across most Indian communities:

Day	Event	Highlights
Day 1 – Pre-Wedding	Roka, Haldi, Mehndi, Sangeet	Engagement rituals, turmeric ceremony, henna art, and a full-blown musical night
Day 2 – The Wedding	Baraat, Mandap Ceremony, Saptapadi	The groom’s arrival, sacred vows, and the exchange of garlands
Day 3 – Post-Wedding	Vidaai, Grihapravesha, Reception	Emotional farewells, entering the new home, and the grand finale feast

Some modern couples now condense it into a single, jam-packed day — especially in cities like Melbourne or Sydney, where venue schedules (and guest stamina) don’t allow for multi-day affairs. But even then, they’ll weave in snippets of tradition: a morning Haldi, a midday ceremony, and an evening of dancing that runs well past midnight.

Regardless of length, every stage of the wedding tells a piece of the story — from the first promise to the final blessing. It’s a journey, not an event, and each ritual connects the past with the future in a way that feels both sacred and delightfully chaotic.

Pre-Wedding Rituals: The Build-Up Before The Big Day

Indian weddings don’t begin with the “I do.” They begin days earlier — with songs, laughter, turmeric, and an avalanche of aunties who suddenly become logistics experts. The pre-wedding rituals set the emotional tone, blessing the couple and igniting the excitement before the main ceremony. Think of them as the opening acts to the main event — each with its own rhythm, symbolism, and sensory spectacle.

Roka And Engagement: The Official ‘It’s Happening’ Moment

The Roka (or Sagai in some regions) is where everything becomes official. It’s not just an engagement; it’s the first time both families come together to acknowledge the union formally. There’s often an exchange of gifts, sweets, and occasionally — in Melbourne’s Indian community — a spirited debate over whether to hold the main wedding in India or the Yarra Valley.

I once attended a Roka where the families surprised everyone with a spontaneous ring exchange, right there in the living room. No décor, no DJ — just heartfelt smiles and a plate of laddoos. That’s the charm of the Roka: simple, sincere, and deeply symbolic.

Haldi Ceremony: The Ritual Of Radiance

If you’ve ever seen photos of a bride and groom covered head to toe in yellow paste, that’s the Haldi — one of the most joyful and intimate Indian rituals. A mixture of turmeric, sandalwood, and rosewater is applied to their faces, arms, and feet by family and friends. It’s messy, playful, and surprisingly emotional.

Turmeric isn’t just there for the glow (though it works wonders on camera). It symbolises purification, protection from evil spirits, and new beginnings. In Bengali weddings, it’s called Gaye Holud, and the bride’s glow after the ritual is believed to outshine the sun.

I remember a Haldi held outdoors at a Melbourne family home — they used marigolds and gum leaves in the decorations, blending Australian native style with traditional Indian flair. The groom’s mates ended up chasing him around with bowls of turmeric like it was a paintball match. Let’s just say his white kurta didn’t survive.

Mehndi Night: Where Art, Music, And Superstition Meet

If the Haldi is warm and golden, the Mehndi night is intricate and enchanting. The bride’s hands and feet are adorned with intricate henna designs that can take hours to complete. Each swirl and motif symbolises joy, prosperity, and good luck.

There’s also a cheeky superstition: the darker the Mehndi stain, the deeper the love from the husband (or the better the mother-in-law). I once saw a bride sneak an “E” for her groom’s name hidden in the pattern — a quiet nod to him amidst all the noise.

Melbourne’s Indian weddings often turn the Mehndi into a full-blown event: fairy lights strung across backyards, playlists blending Bollywood hits with Aussie pop, and platters of samosas paired with sparkling wine. It’s not just about tradition — it’s about connection.

Sangeet: A Family Dance Battle Before The Vows

The Sangeet is where things really kick off. It’s a night of singing, dancing, and joyful chaos — a musical duel between the bride’s and groom’s sides. What started as an intimate gathering for women has now evolved into a high-energy family concert.

I’ll never forget one Sangeet I helped coordinate at a hall in Werribee. The groom’s uncles performed a choreographed routine to “Gallan Goodiyan,” and the aunties from the bride’s side responded with a flash mob. The energy was electric — by the end, even the grandparents were dancing.

Want to plan a Melbourne-style Sangeet? Here’s a quick checklist:

Sangeet Night Essentials

1. Choose upbeat Bollywood and Punjabi tracks (throw in one slow number for balance).
2. Hire a local DJ familiar with dhol beats.
3. Include a mix of family performances — both planned and impromptu.
4. Have a late-night snack bar (pani puri, anyone?).
5. End with a joint family dance to symbolise unity.

Each of these pre-wedding events sets the emotional stage for the wedding. By the time the big day arrives, everyone’s bonded — friends become family, neighbours become honorary cousins, and even the quietest guest ends up with turmeric on their sleeve.

The Main Wedding Day: Sacred Steps And Symbolic Rituals

If the pre-wedding rituals are the fireworks, the main wedding ceremony is the heart — sacred, emotional, and layered with centuries of meaning. Indian weddings, especially Hindu ones, are spiritual in essence but deeply human in emotion. You’ll find laughter between mantras, giggles during solemn vows, and someone’s uncle always whispering, “How long left?”

In Melbourne, I’ve seen couples recreate these traditions everywhere — from vineyard lawns under eucalyptus trees to hotel ballrooms glowing with fairy lights. No matter the setting, the soul of the ceremony remains the same: a promise made before family, fire, and faith.

The Baraat: A Parade Of Music, Horses, And Dancing Feet

Before the ceremony begins, there’s noise — glorious, unrestrained noise. The Baraat marks the groom’s arrival in a celebration that looks like a street festival collided with a dance floor. Traditionally, he rides in on a white horse, but in Australia, I’ve seen everything from classic cars to Harley-Davidsons.

A few years back, I watched a Melbourne groom pull up to Vines of the Yarra Valley in a vintage convertible while his friends danced to Punjabi beats around him. Even the catering team joined in. That’s the thing about the Baraat — no one is a spectator.

When the groom reaches the entrance, the bride’s family welcomes him with a Milni — garlands, hugs, and the occasional friendly challenge. It’s a symbolic merging of families and the first handshake of many between in-laws.

The Jaimala: Exchange Of Garlands And First Glances

The Jaimala (or Varmala) follows, and it’s one of the sweetest moments of the day. The bride and groom exchange floral garlands as a gesture of mutual acceptance. In Bengali weddings, this moment is called Mala Badal, and it’s often the first time the couple actually sees each other.

I once watched a playful Jaimala where the groom’s friends lifted him onto their shoulders to dodge the bride’s reach. She retaliated with her own backup crew. It ended with laughter, petals everywhere, and two garlands finally finding their place.

Kanyadaan: The Most Emotional Moment

A few moments compared to Kanyadaan, where the bride’s parents “give away” their daughter to the groom. In Hindu belief, it’s one of the most sacred acts a parent can perform. The father places his daughter’s hand into the groom’s, symbolically entrusting her happiness and care to him.

It’s beautiful — and it often brings even the toughest dads to tears.

In modern ceremonies, many couples adapt this ritual to include both sets of parents or a symbolic “mutual giving,” recognising marriage as an equal partnership. One Melbourne couple I worked with had their mothers join hands too — a touching modern twist on an ancient tradition.

Saptapadi: The Seven Sacred Steps Around The Fire

Now comes the heart of the ceremony — Saptapadi, or the seven steps around the sacred fire (Agni). Each step represents a vow, forming the spiritual foundation of the marriage.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the Seven Vows of Hindu Marriage:

Step	Vow	Meaning
1	Nourishment	“We will share food and provide for each other.”
2	Strength	“We will stay strong in body, mind, and spirit.”
3	Prosperity	“We will work together for wealth and success.”
4	Family	“We will grow and nurture our family with love.”
5	Health	“We will care for each other in sickness and in health.”
6	Harmony	“We will remain loyal and peaceful.”
7	Friendship	“We will be lifelong companions and friends.”

After the seventh step, the marriage is considered complete. The priest chants blessings, family showers flower petals, and somewhere in the crowd, someone yells, “Now the party starts!”

Sindoor And Mangalsutra: The Mark Of Marriage

To seal the union, the groom applies Sindoor — a streak of red vermilion — to the bride’s hair parting, and ties the Mangalsutra, a sacred black and gold necklace, around her neck. These are not just ornaments; they’re powerful symbols of married life, worn daily as reminders of love and commitment.

It’s often a quiet, reverent moment amidst the chaos. Cameras flash, yes, but so do tears. In one Melbourne wedding I attended, the bride’s grandmother whispered blessings in Tamil as the groom tied the Mangalsutra — three sacred knots for love, unity, and friendship.

By the end of the ceremony, the couple isn’t just husband and wife. They’re bound by vows, witnessed by fire, and surrounded by a sea of people who’ve danced, prayed, and cried with them. And as the priest concludes, there’s usually one thing on everyone’s mind: food.

Post-Wedding Traditions: Farewells And Fresh Starts

After the sacred vows are exchanged, the dancing slows, and the emotions begin to rise. The final stretch of an Indian wedding isn’t just about wrapping things up — it’s about stepping into a new life. There’s laughter, tears, and more food than anyone can eat. If the ceremony is the heart, the post-wedding rituals are the soul — rich in symbolism, emotion, and hope.

Vidaai: The Heartfelt Goodbye

The Vidaai (or Doli) is easily the most emotional part of any Indian wedding. It marks the bride’s official farewell to her childhood home and family. Traditionally, she tosses handfuls of rice over her shoulder as she leaves — a quiet blessing, wishing her family prosperity and thanking them for everything they’ve given her.

I once witnessed a Vidaai at a vineyard in the Yarra Valley — the bride, still glowing in her crimson lehenga, walked down the path as her parents watched through teary smiles. Guests stood silently, and even the photographer looked misty-eyed. Then, as the car drove away, the mood flipped instantly — the groom’s cousins started banging on the bonnet, chanting, “Welcome to married life!” That’s the dual nature of Indian weddings: equal parts heartbreak and hilarity.

Grihapravesha: Stepping Into A New Chapter

Once the bride reaches her new home, it’s time for Grihapravesha, or the “entry into the household.” In Hindu tradition, she’s considered an embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi, bringing fortune and prosperity with her arrival. She’s welcomed with a small lamp, a garland, and a silver pot of rice placed at the entrance.

She gently nudges the pot with her right foot, symbolising the start of her role as the bringer of light and abundance into the home. In some families, playful games follow — finding a ring in a bowl of milk or stepping through coloured water — icebreakers that ease her transition into married life.

I once saw this ritual adapted for a Melbourne setting: instead of a silver pot, the family used a handcrafted ceramic bowl from a local artist — a thoughtful blend of Indian tradition and Australian craftsmanship. That’s what I love about Indian weddings here — the old and new coexist beautifully.

Reception Or Walima: The Grand Finale

And then comes the finale — the Reception, a post-wedding celebration that’s part reunion, part red-carpet event. It’s where the newlyweds are officially introduced as a couple to extended family, friends, and sometimes half the local community.

Expect lavish décor, shimmering attire, and an abundance of food. Think butter chicken, biryani, paneer tikka, and the sweet scent of gulab jamun wafting through the air. The dance floor lights up again, speeches are made, and sometimes a surprise performance by cousins steals the show.

In Muslim weddings, this stage is known as the Walima, hosted by the groom’s family. It’s both a feast and a declaration — a public celebration that the marriage has taken place in good faith.

I remember attending one at a hall in Point Cook where the couple arrived under a canopy of sparklers. The crowd erupted in applause, someone yelled, “One more dance!” — and the DJ didn’t stop until midnight.

Because in Indian culture, marriage isn’t the end of the story. It’s the start of an even bigger one — and it deserves to be celebrated with full hearts, full plates, and sore feet.

An Indian wedding is more than just an event; it’s an experience — a living, breathing celebration of love, family, and heritage. It’s where centuries-old customs meet modern creativity, and where joy spills out of every corner — from the sacred fire under the Mandap to the last dance at the reception. Whether it unfolds over three days in Delhi or one weekend in Melbourne, the heart of it remains the same: two people making promises surrounded by everyone who loves them.

At Vines of the Yarra Valley, I’ve seen couples blend Indian rituals with Melbourne charm — sunlight on vineyards, the hum of dhol drums, and the scent of marigolds carried on a cool breeze. It’s proof that no matter how far from home you are, the essence of an Indian wedding travels with you — colour, community, and connection.

Let’s Get Straight To The Point

Indian weddings are multi-day festivals of emotion, food, and tradition. They begin with colourful pre-wedding rituals, such as Haldi, Mehndi, and Sangeet, which lead to the sacred vows of the Saptapadi under the Mandap, and conclude with tearful farewells, grand receptions, and endless dancing. Each region — from Punjabi to South Indian — adds its own flavour, while modern couples weave in fusion, sustainability, and local flair. At their heart, Indian weddings celebrate more than marriage — they celebrate life, family, and the enduring beauty of love shared out loud.

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