An Indian wedding celebrates a new matrimonial bond build between the couple. It is a gathering for the family, friends and relatives from both the sides. The wedding baraat or procession is the highlight of every wedding and is full of fun and excitement. It is a blend of music, dance and fireworks that captures attention of the spectators.

The groom’s family members, relatives and friends accompany him in the wedding procession. They are called the baraatis. The baraatis dance and cheer on the music played by the band. They move slowly halting at places lighting crackers and dancing, celebrating the joy. This procession is so lively and colorful that the passersby cannot resist themselves and wait to watch them celebrate. It is a short but colorful journey, a journey that takes the groom closer to his new life.

The procession begins from the groom’s house. The groom is dressed in sherwani or a suit. He wears a sehra which is a flower veil over his face. The groom also wears a garland of currency around his neck that defines his prosperity. Tilak is applied on his forehead before leaving. The groom then sites on the horse that is beautifully decorated. He is accompanied by his “best man” who is his younger brother, nephew or cousin. Nowadays the groom mostly arrives at the bride’s place in a decorated car.

The groom is welcomed by the mother-in-law and other elder members of the family with utmost respect and gratitude. The bride’s mother performs an aarti when the groom arrives and blesses him. The baraatis are also welcomed by the bride’s family with flowers as a token of respect. The baraatis introduce themselves to the bride’s family. This is called “milni”. The baraatis are taken care of by the bride’s family with great respect and a lot of pampering is done to keep them comfortable in all ways.

The Indian baraat adds life to the Indian wedding.