A bridal shower - the Indian way

Everyone glows like a bride-to-be

In the morning of the wedding day there was a ceremony called rubbing with turmeric.  It is supposed to be a cleansing ceremony for the bride and attended mainly by the bride’s female relatives, and friends.    It’s probably the equivalent of the bridal shower party in the western world.

A Holy Man officiates

A Holy Man continuously chants and female relatives and friends would approach the bride and rub the concoction on her skin.    What was fascinating was the wearing of the bangles; several dazzling bangles almost a footlong on each arm.  Their weight takes a toll on the bride and I could imagine that whatever she does afterwards, she would need a lady-in-waiting to assist her.

Bangles have to be washed before wearing them.

Bangles have to be worn for one year; early removal requires dispensation.

Part of the chanting was between the Holy Man and the bride's parents and I could see some Indian rupees being passed to the Holy Man.   Despite the solemnity of the occasion, the Holy Man could be interrupted on his cell phone.

Oops.  Got to take the call.

Rain?  No problem.  A canopy is on standby.

Then the bride had to retreat for the rest of the day.  The concoction from her skin will be cleansed and she has to dress-up for the wedding ceremony that will follow in the evening.

Henna paint at engagement party; bangles at the anointing party

Bride with her parents