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Published: December 30th 2011
Suzi getting Mendhi
Suzi gets Mendhi at one of Pankil's wedding ceremonies Namaste from India!
We arrived safely from Istanbul to Mumbai around 4:30 am and our fearless driver Sameer picked us up for the 4 hr drive to Surat, north of Mumbai for our friend Pankil’s wedding. We check into the Taj Gateway hotel and quickly get ready to attend day 2 events of Archita and Pankil’s wedding. Within 15 minutes of entering the ceremony and luncheon, Suzi has two women expertly applying henna to her arms and hands as Mendhi. We enjoy learning about some of the wedding customs (family applying sandalwood paste and tumeric powder to the groom before the wedding, the friends of the bride stealing the groom’s shoes, etc.) and are warmly received by Pankil and Archita’s friends and family.
Two highlights from this amazing wedding was the music night when two Bollywood stars performed along with family of the bride and groom in a series of musical acts. The bride and groom had an impressive duo ensemble, it was quite the celebration.
On the wedding day, we joined the procession of leading the groom into the ceremony. It was amazing to march into the venue with drums horns and colorful
Pankil on the white horse
Pankil entering the ceremony site for the wedding! costumes. The men had their heads wrapped with pink turbans to signify they were friends of the groom. Pankhil rode in on a white horse to greet about 300 guests for the ceremony. There were about 600 people in total at the reception. We enjoyed food from all around India and the world.
Next up: Mumbai!
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