Indian wedding ceremonies are a colorful blend of many ritual and customs. This color can be witnessed during all the rituals carried out throughout the journey of the wedding. It is pre-wedding ceremony that is carried out a day before the main wedding. Family members and the close friends attend the function. It is usually a private affair and is carried out individually at the bride’s and the grooms place.

On this day the haldi paste is applied to both the bride and the groom by their family members and friends. The paste is made from turmeric which is the main ingredient. It is considered to be the most important element and is used on all holy occasions like the pooja. Rosewater and sandalwood is also added to it. It is also called the “Purification Ceremony”. The paste is placed in a bowl beautifully decorated with flower petals. All the members bless the couple. It is believed to add to the beauty of the bride and give her a natural charming glow. After the haldi ceremony both the bride and the groom are not allowed to leave the house till the wedding day. This ceremony marks good fortune and prosperity.

During this ceremony, the girl is supposed to wear traditional clothes most preferably yellow. Nowadays any color could be selected except white and black. First oil is applied on the brides’ hair. Then haldi is applied on her feet, knees, arms, hands and finally the face. It starts from the feet going up till the face. This paste is applied by using mango leaves. During the ceremony a sacred thread is tied on the wrist of the bride and the groom. The red thread strung through a iron knife or chaaku, turmeric sticks, suparis and shells. They are considered to be the symbol of good luck and to protect them from evil eyes.

After applying haldi to the soon to be bride and groom, family members apply haldi to each other as well. It adds to the fun and excitement as every member of the family actively participates in this ceremony.