Kiara Malhotra is sunshine personified. Ever smiling, bubbly and tenderly beautiful, she's more than a pretty face. She's a talented baker from Delhi, India. She owns her own bakery which serves some of the most delicious desserts in the city. As sh...
It's been three months since my birthday and ever since then, the preparations of my wedding has been going on in full swing. Now, three months later, all the things have been taken care of. The venue, the clothes, invitations, the catering, the priest and what not.
Since, we wanted the marriage to be a personal affair, we've invited just 150 people which is very less when it comes to my culture but it's also a good thing that only the people who're really happy with this marriage will be there.
Two months ago, we sat down and explained every custom and ritual to Savannah and Daniel. Since Shiela Aunty is an Indian by birth, she knows all of this herself. We've decided to skip the Sangeet from both the sides. My Mehndi and Haldi ceremony are going to be low-key too. Daniel and I started meeting frequently in the last two months and we've grown quiet comfortable with each other. We've not being intimate yet since I want any of that to happen after marriage but I've for sure developed a strong attraction towards him.
He was a bit pissed when he found out we couldn't meet once the wedding ceremonies begin. The bide and groom can see each other directly on the day of marriage and I'm surely going to follow it. It's a very important tradition plus it's fun to tease Daniel. We occasionally talk on the phone since we don't see each other that way but Daniel is patiently waiting to see me. Truth be told, I'm waiting to see him too.
Today, is my Haldi Ceremony in the morning and Mehndi in the evening.
- Haldi Ceremony -
I quickly changed into my lehenga. It had a long plain yellow-coloured bottom and a fitted light-blue sleeveless top with oranges and yellow flower patterns on it. The top was heavy just to mellow out the plain bottoms.
(A/N : Haldi Ceremony is traditionally done on both bride and groom side. The turmeric i.e., the Haldi when mixed with milk/water is often applied on the face, hands and legs, since it gives a natural glow. This ceremony is carried out in the presence of ladies primarily.)
"Come on, Kiara." I heard my cousin sister, Riya, shout from the living room. That's right, we're having both the ceremonies of today in my house itself.
"Coming." I said and quickly descended downstairs.
All the ladies including my mom, cousin Riya, Savannah, Auntie Sheila and other relatives of mine were present there. There was a small stool placed in the centre of the room alongside which a big plate was placed. The plate had small containers filled with the Haldi mixture.
"Here, have a seat." Mom said and I nodded. I took my seat and Savannah gestured to Riya who start playing the music.
One by one, everyone came towards me and applied small amounts of Haldi on my face. They gave me their blessings as well, when they were colouring me yellow. Some wished me a long and happy marriage while some wished me a prosperous life. Some wished me cute babies in the future and some wished me a happy life in general.
"Thank you, everyone." I said, feeling overwhelmed by all the blessings.
- Mehndi Ceremony -
Now, it's time for my Mehndi Ceremony.
Since, I'm not getting Mehndi applied on my feet, I wore a long white palazzos pants with a sleeveless floral print long kurti. I'm not going to get Mehndi applied till below my elbows. I'm just getting it till my wrists since I'm not a big fan of Mehndi plus too much of it damages my skin. The Mehndi these days have lots of chemicals in it and my skin is sensitive.
(A/N : Mehndi a.k.a. Henna is applied on hands and legs with creative and delicate flower, peacock etc. designs. It looks beautiful when the bride wears the bridal red lehenga. It also smells amazing and it's said that applying it will fill the bride's martial life with pleasant smell of love. Women also hide their to-be husband's name or initial in the designs. In some parts of the culture, if the husband finds it on their wedding night, a blissful marriage is promised.)
I walked downstairs and the ladies who're going to apply my Mehndi are going to be there too. Since I'm the bride, I'm the first one to get it and then everyone follows.
The ladies did a beautiful design on my fore and back hand. They also hid a small 'D' in my design which I quickly spotted. I smiled internally as butterflies settled in my stomach seeing it.
I smiled thinking about my new life. My married life.
~ Kiara's Haldi Ceremony Outfit ~
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~ Kiara's Mehndi Ceremony Outfit ~
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~ Kiara's Mehndi Design ~
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