Threads of Tradition: Tales Of Indian Arranged Marriages

7.

The day of the Haldi ceremony arrived with a flurry of excitement and anticipation in the air. Traditionally, this pre-wedding ritual involved family members applying a paste made of turmeric, sandalwood, and rose water to the bride and groom, symbolizing blessings for a prosperous and joyous married life. The atmosphere was filled with the sounds of laughter, chatter, and preparations as both families readied themselves for the event.

Amrita woke up early, her heart pounding with excitement and a hint of nervousness. She had always imagined what her wedding rituals would be like, but now that the moment had arrived, it felt both surreal and overwhelming. The house buzzed with activity as her relatives arrived one by one, each bringing gifts, sweets, and joyous energy into the home.

Her mother, Suman, entered her room with a wide smile. “Are you ready for today, beta? The Haldi ceremony is such a special tradition. This is the beginning of your journey into married life.”

Amrita smiled nervously. “I am, Ma. It just feels like everything is happening so fast.”

Suman sat down next to her, placing a comforting hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “I know it can feel overwhelming, but this is the joy we have waited for. The start of a beautiful new chapter for you and Vihaan. Just take it one moment at a time, and enjoy each step.”

Amrita nodded, feeling reassured by her mother’s words. Her close friends, including Priya, entered the room carrying traditional outfits for the ceremony, chatting excitedly about the day’s events.

Priya hugged her tightly. “Today is all about you, Amrita. The bride-to-be! It’s going to be amazing.”

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the courtyard was decorated with vibrant yellow and white flowers. The marigold garlands were hung across the walls, while traditional brass lamps flickered in the gentle morning breeze. The fragrance of fresh jasmine mingled with the scent of sandalwood, creating an atmosphere of peace and festivity.

Amrita emerged from her room dressed in a simple yet elegant yellow saree, symbolizing purity and auspiciousness. Her friends and cousins gathered around her, teasing her about the upcoming wedding. Despite the lightheartedness, Amrita couldn’t help but feel the gravity of the moment. This was the beginning of the sacred rituals leading up to her wedding day.

On the other side of the city, Vihaan’s family had gathered for his Haldi ceremony as well. His home, too, was adorned with flowers and colorful drapes, and laughter echoed through the halls. Vihaan, dressed in a white kurta, was prepared for the ritual, but his mind was with Amrita, wondering how her ceremony was unfolding.

Back at Amrita’s house, the Haldi ceremony began with her mother taking the lead. Suman gently applied the turmeric paste to Amrita’s face, arms, and feet while chanting blessings for her future. One by one, her relatives and friends followed, each applying the Haldi while offering their prayers for happiness, love, and prosperity in her married life.

Amrita’s cousins took full advantage of the playful nature of the ceremony, smearing extra turmeric on her face and laughing as she tried to dodge their hands. The joyous energy was infectious, and soon Amrita found herself laughing freely, her nervousness slowly melting away. It was a light-hearted moment of family bonding, one that made her feel supported and surrounded by love.

As the ceremony continued, Amrita’s thoughts drifted to Vihaan. She imagined him going through the same ritual, his family blessing him with the same love and joy that hers was showing her. It was strange to think that in a few days, their lives would be intertwined forever. The thought brought a flutter to her heart, a mixture of excitement and curiosity about the life that awaited them together.

Meanwhile, at Vihaan’s home, the mood was equally lively. His cousins were just as mischievous as Amrita’s, covering him in turmeric far beyond the traditional amount. Vihaan laughed along with them, trying to keep the turmeric from getting in his eyes.

After the ritual, Vihaan’s older brother, Raghav, pulled him aside. “You look like you’re enjoying all this attention, little brother. How are you feeling about the big day?”

Vihaan smiled, wiping some turmeric from his arm. “Excited, but a bit nervous too. I’ve never been one for big ceremonies, but seeing everyone so happy makes it all worth it.”

Raghav nodded thoughtfully. “That’s natural. But remember, this is your moment, too. Amrita seems like a wonderful person, and this is the beginning of something special. Enjoy it.”

Vihaan appreciated his brother’s words of wisdom. Raghav had always been someone he looked up to, and hearing his calm encouragement gave him the strength to focus on the significance of the day.

Back at Amrita’s home, the ceremony began to wind down. After the last of her family members had applied the turmeric, Amrita was led to a small corner of the courtyard where a traditional oil bath awaited her. It was customary for the bride to cleanse herself after the Haldi ritual, signifying a fresh start and washing away any impurities before her wedding day.

As she stood under the warm water, letting the turmeric wash away, Amrita felt a sense of calm settle over her. This was it — the beginning of the final days leading up to her wedding. It was no longer just an abstract idea. Soon, she would be standing beside Vihaan as his wife.

Later in the evening, as the sun set and the house began to quiet down, Amrita sat on her balcony, watching the colors of the sky fade into twilight. Her thoughts were interrupted by a message on her phone — it was from Vihaan.

“How did your Haldi go? I’m still covered in turmeric,” he joked.

Amrita laughed as she typed her response. “Same here. I don’t think I’ll ever get the yellow out of my skin.”

“We’re getting closer to the big day,” Vihaan wrote. “I’ve been thinking about how lucky we are to have such supportive families. It’s all starting to feel real now, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is,” Amrita replied, her heart warming at the thought. “I feel the same way. It’s all happening so fast, but I’m excited to see what’s next.”

Their exchange of messages continued late into the night, both of them reflecting on the day’s events and the days ahead. Despite the whirlwind of preparations and the emotions that came with it, they found comfort in each other’s words, building a foundation of understanding and companionship.

As Amrita lay in bed that night, her thoughts were full of the day’s joys, and she found herself looking forward to the future with a sense of calm she hadn’t expected. The Haldi ceremony had reminded her that, at the heart of everything, this journey was about family, love, and new beginnings.

In just a few short days, she would be stepping into her new life with Vihaan — and despite the unknowns, she felt ready to embrace it fully.