Meenakshi & Brendon
Schedule
Friday, September 3, 2021
Mehndi & Sangeet
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
13010 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68144
Guests are encouraged to wear colorful indian attire for this event for this event (we have listed a few websites below if you are interested. However, this is not a requirement -just wear your most colorful and blingiest clothes and jewelry and you will blend in!
Of the many pre-wedding events that occur prior to the Hindu wedding ceremony, Sangeet is the most entertaining. The word Sangeet translates to ‘sung together’ from Sanskrit & is used to describe a night filled with music or a musical party. This musical night is a celebration of the union of not only the couple but the bonding of both families. The major highlights of this evening are: 1. Choreographed dance performance by family & friends: Usually friends & family practice & perform dances (Bollywood style) for the couple. The couple also joins in to entertain the guests. 2. Mehndi/Henna: The guests, if interested, are given an opportunity to dive into the culturally rich art form of henna -traditionally called mehndi. Our talented artist will give you a quick design in 3-5 minutes. 3. Food: A north Indian vegetarian dinner will be provided. No alcohol will be served at the event. 4. Dance floor is open for everyone to spin, twirl & do the thumka to rhythms of Bollywood music.
Saturday, September 4, 2021
Traditional South Indian Wedding Ceremony
8:15 am - 1:00 pm
13010 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68144
Guests are encouraged to arrive at 8 am and to wear colorful Indian attire for this event. Again, this is not a requirement, colourful comfortable western clothes are a good alternative. The guests are welcome to socialize, eat and move around during most of the ceremony.
An Iyer wedding is a colorful & vibrant combo of ancient ceremonies & rituals. They tend to start at an unearthly hour of the day! 1. Janavasam/Baraat: Groom brought to the ceremonial hall in a grand procession with his family & friends & music & dancing. 2. KashiYatra: Groom pretends to run away! Bride's father convinces him to return & offers his daughter in marriage. Garlands are exchanged thrice w/ each attempt more challenging than the previous one. 4. Oonjal (swing): Groom leads bride & they sit on decorated swing. Women sing & feed them mixture of milk & banana. 5. Kanyadanam: Bride sits on father's lap as the groom receives her hand. Bride is presented a traditional sari. 6. Maangalyadhaaranam: "Main event" where groom ties pieces of gold on a yellow string around the bride’s neck. Guests shower couple w/ rice & flowers. 7. Sapta-padhi: 7 steps taken by bride & groom around holy fire. Vegetarian traditional south Indian lunch on banana leaves provided.
Western Style Vow Exchange and Reception
5:30 pm - 11:00 pm
1356 182nd Street, Seward, NE 68434
Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable formal clothing.
In order to prepare for another round of fun and frolic, it would be highly advisable, especially for people who attended the morning ceremony, to get in some beauty sleep before joining us at 5:30 pm for more shenanigans. Highlights of the evening are: Refreshments and Snacks: 5:30 pm to 6 pm Vow exchange at 6:00 pm where the bride and groom will share their written vows. Reception at 6:30 pm. Tasty vegetarian foodage, speeches, dancing, laughs, hugs, kisses, shared memories, and high fives. Theme is western formal. A tasty vegetarian dinner buffet will be available to all guests.