Frequently Asked Questions for Non-Indian Guests
Q: I've never been to an Indian wedding. What should I expect?
A: Lot's of food. Lots of dancing, Colorful outfits and friendly people. Indian aunties love making people fit in and comfortable. Just find a nice aunty or uncle (virtually anyone you see) and you will soon be well versed in "Tran Tari" ( clapping dance), Raas garba ( the 4 step, 5 step and 12 step), the baraat, the horse, the Dholi and the light bulb dance. So bring your dancing shoes and your in for a great experience.
Q: What should I expect at the Hindu Wedding Ceremony?
A: The Hindu Wedding ceremony starts with the Welcoming of the Groom ( Baraat, see below). The wedding ceremony is performed beneath a decorated wedding altar “Lagna Mandap” which is represented by four pillars denoting our Parents. The Ceremony is performed in English and Sanskrit, the world’s most ancient surviving language.
The ceremony consists of:
Kanyadan - Offering of the bride to the groom
Hast Melap - Acceptance of the bride from the Groom
Mangal Pheras - The couple walks around the sacred fire four times, symbolizing the walk of life. The four rounds signify their journey together to attain Dharma (duty), Artha (wealth and prosperity), Karma (fulfillment of worldly desires), and Moksha (spirituality and salvation).
Saptapadi - the Vows
Q: What is a Raas-Garba?
A: Garba is a form of dance that originated in the Gujrat region. Many traditional garbas are performed around a central lit lamp. The circular and spiral figures of Garba have similarities to other spiritual dances. People dance around the center, bending sideways at every step, their arms making sweeping gestures, each movement ending in a clap. This routine is followed by Dandhiya Raas, which is a structured dance with sticks.
Both men and women usually wear colorful costimes while performing garba and dandiya . The girls and the women wear ghaghra choli. Boys and men wear kafni pyjamas with a kediyu - a short round kurta - above the knees and pagadi on the head with bandhini dupatta, kada, and mojiris.
Not sure how to dance the Garba or Raas? Don't worry, just ask one of the friendly uncles or aunties and they will be happy to show you. So don't be shy and get your dance on!!!
Here are tutorial videos for those who want to learn prior to the event!
A: Lot's of food. Lots of dancing, Colorful outfits and friendly people. Indian aunties love making people fit in and comfortable. Just find a nice aunty or uncle (virtually anyone you see) and you will soon be well versed in "Tran Tari" ( clapping dance), Raas garba ( the 4 step, 5 step and 12 step), the baraat, the horse, the Dholi and the light bulb dance. So bring your dancing shoes and your in for a great experience.
Q: What should I expect at the Hindu Wedding Ceremony?
A: The Hindu Wedding ceremony starts with the Welcoming of the Groom ( Baraat, see below). The wedding ceremony is performed beneath a decorated wedding altar “Lagna Mandap” which is represented by four pillars denoting our Parents. The Ceremony is performed in English and Sanskrit, the world’s most ancient surviving language.
The ceremony consists of:
Kanyadan - Offering of the bride to the groom
Hast Melap - Acceptance of the bride from the Groom
Mangal Pheras - The couple walks around the sacred fire four times, symbolizing the walk of life. The four rounds signify their journey together to attain Dharma (duty), Artha (wealth and prosperity), Karma (fulfillment of worldly desires), and Moksha (spirituality and salvation).
Saptapadi - the Vows
Q: What is a Raas-Garba?
A: Garba is a form of dance that originated in the Gujrat region. Many traditional garbas are performed around a central lit lamp. The circular and spiral figures of Garba have similarities to other spiritual dances. People dance around the center, bending sideways at every step, their arms making sweeping gestures, each movement ending in a clap. This routine is followed by Dandhiya Raas, which is a structured dance with sticks.
Both men and women usually wear colorful costimes while performing garba and dandiya . The girls and the women wear ghaghra choli. Boys and men wear kafni pyjamas with a kediyu - a short round kurta - above the knees and pagadi on the head with bandhini dupatta, kada, and mojiris.
Not sure how to dance the Garba or Raas? Don't worry, just ask one of the friendly uncles or aunties and they will be happy to show you. So don't be shy and get your dance on!!!
Here are tutorial videos for those who want to learn prior to the event!
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Q: What should I wear to each event?
A: You can wear Indian dress or Western dress. Either is appropriate and appreciated! If you want to wear Indian clothes, it's seen as acceptable for non-Indians to wear.
Garba - Men can wear whats called a lehngo jhabbo / kurta pajama. Don't have one? No worries, a shirt and some khakhi's should just fine. Women can wear either a gahgra choli / choli dress or punjabi dress/salwar kameez. If you can't find one, a long flowy skirt with a blouse, or a dress should be fine.
Wedding - Men can wear whats called a lehngo jhabbo / kurta pajama. Its a loose long shirt with some tighter fitting pants. A button down shirt with pants and a tie is perfectly acceptable as well. Ladies - If you've never tried a saree, this is a good ocassion to wear one. You're not moving around much, so there are less chances of any off. Not feeling the saree - no problem. A punjabi, or just a dress is perfectly approporiate. Just stay away from black. Western wear is not a problem.
Reception - Men usually wear a suit or tuxedo to the reception. Women can wear a dinner/cocktail dress, a saree, a choli dress or anything formal.
Where do I find these types of outfits if I want to wear Indian clothing? There are several online stores where you can get things made and Devon Ave. in Chicago has a great selection.
Tip: The outfits tend to be a bit pricey, but you do have the ability to bargain
Lastly, Ladies dont forget your accesories : Bindis, bangles, earings, necklaces and purses are all available in custom colors for Indian outfits.
Call us if you have any questions.
Q: Are there colors/things I should avoid?
A: Black and white symbolize the color of death in the Indian culture. Stay away from black dresses/skirts etc. If you choose a white outfit, be sure it has a colorful design on it.
As many of you know, Indian folks usually take off their shoes when entering the home. Similarly, the night of the Sangeet Garba is when we invite God to the event. It is usually a religious dance, so taking your shoes off is encouraged. You can wear shoes during all other times of the events
Q: I'm coming from out of town, where should I stay?
A: Please see our accommodations page by clicking HERE
Q: What's a baraat?
A: A Baraat is a procession in which the groom enters the wedding place. The groom comes with a Dholi (drummer), riding on usually a horse or animal of some sorts along with his entire list of invitees. So if you're from the grooms side ( or even the bride's side), be sure to come early to be a part of the dancing procession as Vikas enters the wedding venue. This is followed by Nicole's family and bridal guests (who will be treated to breakfast in the lobby previously) greeting him to the wedding venue.
Q: What is the closest airport to you?
A: Chicago O'Hare is the closest international airport. The hotel and banquet center is approximately 20-25 minutes from the airport.
Q: What type of food can I expect?
A: The food for all events will be Indian and Vegetarian. The Soni family comes from a traditional vegetarian religious background and we are thrilled to honor the tradition by serving you this food. If you have any allergies or special dietary needs, please send us an email and we can see what arrangements can be made.
Glossary
Here are some words you'll probably hear throughout the wedding day.
Antarpaat: A cloth that separates the bride and groom at the beginning of a wedding
Ashirvaad: Blessings from elders
Banevi: Brother-in-law
Ben: Sister
Bhabhi: Sister-in-law
Bhai: Brother
Brahmin: Hindu priest
Haar: A floral garland
Jaan: Groom's family and friends
Jai Shri Krishna (JSK): an acronym for a phrase used every time by a Gujarati in praise of Lord Krishna. "Victory to Krishna" would be the literal translation. This acronym is commonly used in written electronic communications like email, chat as way of greeting to each other. Kind of like saying hello and goodbye in western culture.
Kanya: Bride
Mandap: Wedding altar consisting of four posts
Mehndi: Henna
Puja: Hindu ceremony
Var-raja: Groom
A: You can wear Indian dress or Western dress. Either is appropriate and appreciated! If you want to wear Indian clothes, it's seen as acceptable for non-Indians to wear.
Garba - Men can wear whats called a lehngo jhabbo / kurta pajama. Don't have one? No worries, a shirt and some khakhi's should just fine. Women can wear either a gahgra choli / choli dress or punjabi dress/salwar kameez. If you can't find one, a long flowy skirt with a blouse, or a dress should be fine.
Wedding - Men can wear whats called a lehngo jhabbo / kurta pajama. Its a loose long shirt with some tighter fitting pants. A button down shirt with pants and a tie is perfectly acceptable as well. Ladies - If you've never tried a saree, this is a good ocassion to wear one. You're not moving around much, so there are less chances of any off. Not feeling the saree - no problem. A punjabi, or just a dress is perfectly approporiate. Just stay away from black. Western wear is not a problem.
Reception - Men usually wear a suit or tuxedo to the reception. Women can wear a dinner/cocktail dress, a saree, a choli dress or anything formal.
Where do I find these types of outfits if I want to wear Indian clothing? There are several online stores where you can get things made and Devon Ave. in Chicago has a great selection.
Tip: The outfits tend to be a bit pricey, but you do have the ability to bargain
Lastly, Ladies dont forget your accesories : Bindis, bangles, earings, necklaces and purses are all available in custom colors for Indian outfits.
Call us if you have any questions.
Q: Are there colors/things I should avoid?
A: Black and white symbolize the color of death in the Indian culture. Stay away from black dresses/skirts etc. If you choose a white outfit, be sure it has a colorful design on it.
As many of you know, Indian folks usually take off their shoes when entering the home. Similarly, the night of the Sangeet Garba is when we invite God to the event. It is usually a religious dance, so taking your shoes off is encouraged. You can wear shoes during all other times of the events
Q: I'm coming from out of town, where should I stay?
A: Please see our accommodations page by clicking HERE
Q: What's a baraat?
A: A Baraat is a procession in which the groom enters the wedding place. The groom comes with a Dholi (drummer), riding on usually a horse or animal of some sorts along with his entire list of invitees. So if you're from the grooms side ( or even the bride's side), be sure to come early to be a part of the dancing procession as Vikas enters the wedding venue. This is followed by Nicole's family and bridal guests (who will be treated to breakfast in the lobby previously) greeting him to the wedding venue.
Q: What is the closest airport to you?
A: Chicago O'Hare is the closest international airport. The hotel and banquet center is approximately 20-25 minutes from the airport.
Q: What type of food can I expect?
A: The food for all events will be Indian and Vegetarian. The Soni family comes from a traditional vegetarian religious background and we are thrilled to honor the tradition by serving you this food. If you have any allergies or special dietary needs, please send us an email and we can see what arrangements can be made.
Glossary
Here are some words you'll probably hear throughout the wedding day.
Antarpaat: A cloth that separates the bride and groom at the beginning of a wedding
Ashirvaad: Blessings from elders
Banevi: Brother-in-law
Ben: Sister
Bhabhi: Sister-in-law
Bhai: Brother
Brahmin: Hindu priest
Haar: A floral garland
Jaan: Groom's family and friends
Jai Shri Krishna (JSK): an acronym for a phrase used every time by a Gujarati in praise of Lord Krishna. "Victory to Krishna" would be the literal translation. This acronym is commonly used in written electronic communications like email, chat as way of greeting to each other. Kind of like saying hello and goodbye in western culture.
Kanya: Bride
Mandap: Wedding altar consisting of four posts
Mehndi: Henna
Puja: Hindu ceremony
Var-raja: Groom