YES. US Citizens (and Citizens from most other countries) are required to have a travel visa to enter the country, and you must complete it online at least 4 days prior to travel. Travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa may be denied entry into India. You do not need to apply for a visa in person. Instead, you can apply for an e-visa here: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/Registration
No gifts, please! We are over the moon that you're traveling all the way to India to celebrate with us, and we couldn't ask for a better gift than your presence.
While we will be in Indian attire, there is no expectation for you to wear Indian attire. You can wear whatever feels festive and comfortable for you. The Mehndi is more casual and will be outside in a garden. The wedding is a bit fancier and also outdoors - think cocktail attire if you're wearing western clothes. If you are planning to wear Indian attire, here is a primer: For women, the two most common clothing options are: - Saree: a long piece of fabric that is wrapped around the body (with a top) - Lehenga: a two-piece outfit that includes a top (usually cropped) and a full, high-waisted skirt. Worn with a dupatta (draped scarf over the shoulder) Other options: - Pre-draped Saree: if you’re unfamiliar with saree draping, it can be very difficult. Pre-draped sarees will come attached and alleviate the stress of draping and pinning it yourself - Sharara: a long top and flowy pants - Kurta set: a long top and straight pants For men, the two most common options are: - Sherwani: a long coat-like top (with slacks) - Kurta: a long loose top (with slacks) A few tips: - Indians love color! Brighter the better. A few colors to avoid are white (funeral color in India) and red (traditional Bride color) but everything else is fair game - More is more with Indian jewelry - feel free to wear lots if that is fun for you
We expect the weather to be warm to very warm. The average temperatures are between 70°F and 95°F in Delhi in October. For the men - don't feel obligated to wear a full suit in the heat - you can wear a shirt and slacks, and kurtas are a cooler option than sherwanis.
You may want to consider the following: - Mosquito repellent: Mosquitos in India are at their peak earlier in the year (June - September) but it is still wise to protect yourself from the mosquito-born diseases in India (e.g. malaria, denge, chikungunya, zika) - Anti-malaria tablets: require a prescription - Travel shots: These are the recommendations for travel to India from the CDC: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/india. You can go to a travel-specific clinic (like One Medical or Passport Health) and they can help you decide which shots / prescriptions to consider. - Imodium or similar for stomach concerns
If you'd like to get an outfit for the wedding when you arrive in India, here are a few options: - Khan Market - this is a large, more modern market near the recommended hotels that has a few stores you could get a outfit and/or jewelry from. At Fab India (sort of like an Indian Zara), you'll find pre-draped sarees and kurtas for the men, at Pernia's PopUp, you will find Indian designer outfits (more expensive but fun to browse). Other shops to check out: Good Earth, Ogaan, ANOKHI Lajpat Nagar - this is for the more adventurous set as this market is more chaotic and crowded. Here you will find a range of small shops where you can buy less expensive Indian outfits and have a very authentic experience. If you go to a market like this, we'd recommend that the women bring a crop top/small blouse from home to wear (in a color you like that you can match the sari to) or look for a "pre-stitched blouse" there, as many of the shops here make the clothes to order, and it will be difficult to get a top made to your specific sizes in a day.
Gladly! - Mehndi: The Mehndi party is a pre-wedding celebration in Hindu culture where the bride traditionally gets hand-painted henna art applied to her hands and feet, with designs that signify various blessings and good luck. In modern weddings, the attendees (you!) are welcome to also get henna. You can also expect Indian food, music and entertainment. - Pagdi Tying: Pagdi means turban, and all male attendees at the wedding ceremony will be invited to have a traditional turban wrapped onto their head for the ceremonies - Baraat: A Baraat is the groom's procession into the wedding ceremony. The procession signifies an age-old tradition of the groom who would travel an average of five to seven days to his bride to be home. Nowadays, the baraat is a short entrance (typically on horseback) of the groom, surrounded by his family and friends, dancing to meet the bride (and her family and friends) at the wedding venue. - Jaimala: Jaimala means garland, and this ceremony starts the wedding ceremony after the Baraat. The bride and groom exchange flower garlands symbolizing their love and respect for one another. - Pheras: The 7 Pheras is the core of a Hindu Indian wedding. The bride and the groom hold hands and circle a fire 7 times, marking 7 vows - one circle each to symbolize nourishment, strength, prosperity, family, progeny, health, and wisdom.