Ah, the Great Indian Marriage. It’s not just an event; it’s a full-blown festival. A 5-day saga of customs, chaos, relatives, and of course—plenty of dancing (cue the naagin dance!).
Customs that Last for Days
In India, a wedding isn’t just about shaadi ke din (the wedding day). Oh no, it’s about the mehndi, sangeet, haldi, and a bunch of other pre-wedding rituals that start weeks in advance.
Relatives will arrive from far-off places, some you didn’t even know existed, and suddenly, every day becomes a celebration. The bride’s hands and feet are covered in beautiful mehndi designs, while the uncles and aunties battle it out on the dance floor during the sangeet.
Baraatiyon Ka Swaagat
And let’s not forget the baraat, where the groom arrives on a horse (or in some cases, a car that somehow turns into a dance platform). The relatives dance as if they’ve just won the lottery, but wait—it’s not complete until the uncle at the front starts doing the naagin dance.
The moment the DJ drops ‘Tunak Tunak Tun’ or ‘Maine Payal Hai Chhankai’, things get wild. Imagine dozens of people, on the streets, imitating a snake’s movements in full desi style. It’s a sight to behold!
The Haldi Battle and Funny Incidents
The haldi ceremony is another classic. It’s supposed to be a calm, auspicious ritual where turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom for good luck. But in reality? It often turns into a hilarious turmeric fight, with the bride’s cousins smearing haldi on each other’s faces, clothes, and pretty much everything within reach. Nobody is safe!
Funny incidents? Oh, there are plenty. From the joota chupai where the bride’s sisters steal the groom’s shoes and demand ransom, to the phoolon ki chadar falling off mid-entry (that was NOT planned!), the bloopers are endless. And what’s a wedding without some aunties gossiping about who wore what, who danced the best, and arre, kitna kharcha kiya hoga?
Food: The Real Hero of Indian Weddings
Then there’s the food. Oh, the glorious food. You’ll find everything from chaat to biryani, with sweets that could give Willy Wonka a run for his money. But don’t be surprised if you hear people discussing the menu even after the wedding—“Usne gulab jamun order kiya tha, but humare yaha toh rasmalai thi!”
And in typical Indian fashion, no matter how much food is on offer, you’ll always hear, “Thoda aur lo, beta.”
The Naagin Dance and Beyond
What really makes Indian weddings stand out, though, is the naagin dance. No Indian wedding is complete without it. As soon as the DJ plays the classic beats, at least one uncle (probably wearing sunglasses) will hit the floor, get down on his knees, and start doing the snake dance.
Others will soon join in, making it one of the most iconic—and hilarious—moments of the night. Add a few rounds of bhangra, and the dance floor is on fire!
Perfectly Imperfect, Just Like Us
Indian weddings are chaotic, noisy, extravagant—and absolutely wonderful. They’re a mix of emotions, customs, and funny mishaps that create memories to last a lifetime. It’s not about perfection; it’s about the joy of bringing two families together, dancing like nobody’s watching, and eating like there’s no tomorrow.
So, next time you’re invited to an Indian wedding, get ready for a rollercoaster of customs, rituals, and pure fun. And don’t forget to practice your naagin moves!
At Indian.Community, we understand that Indian weddings are more than just ceremonies—they’re a celebration of culture, family, and the joyful chaos that brings us together. Our platform aims to keep these traditions alive, especially for those living far from home.
Whether you’re looking for wedding tips, event services, or simply want to reminisce about the unforgettable moments from desi weddings, Indian.Community is here to connect you with the essence of our culture. Join us as we celebrate what makes Indian weddings—and our community—so unique, vibrant, and full of life!
Original Article published at Sone Ki Chidiya
Author: Amit Gupta
Amit Gupta is the co-founder and Editor in Chief of Indian.Community. Based in Atlanta, USA, he enjoys spending time with his family and serving the Indian diaspora. Amit is also the host of the Indian Community Podcast, where he explores stories and insights that connect and empower the global Indian diaspora.
