Mehendi
Mehendi is a joyful pre-wedding celebration centered around the art of henna. Traditionally, family and friends gathered to bless the couple, enjoy music, and celebrate the beginning of the wedding festivities.
September 4 – 6, 2026
The Wedding Weekend
Three days of celebration at the Grand Lodge of Maryland. Here's everything you need to know about each event!
Friday · September 4, 2026
Welcome Party
The weekend kicks off with an evening that blends two beloved Indian pre-wedding traditions into one joyful celebration.
Time
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location
Courtyard
Attire
Indo-Western Festive
Attire Guide
Suggested Color Palette
Avoid These Colors
Women's Inspiration
Fusion silhouettes, Indo-Western sets, anarkalis, contemporary lehengas.
Men's Inspiration
Kurtas, Nehru jackets, Indo-Western ensembles.
Event Timeline
6:00 PM
Henna Artists & Interactive Stations Open
7:00 PM
Welcome Remarks
8:00 PM
Family Performances
9:00 PM
Stations Reopen
10:00 PM
Event Concludes
Good to Know
Henna artists and interactive stations will be available throughout the evening.
If you plan to get Mehendi, we recommend avoiding arm jewelry such as bangles and bracelets.
This event will take place outdoors, so please dress accordingly for the weather.
This is our most relaxed event of the weekend—have fun with your attire and don't be afraid to wear bold, colorful looks.
The Traditions
Sangeet
Sangeet, meaning "music," is a celebration that brings family and friends together through song, dance, and performance. Traditionally, it was an evening of storytelling and music celebrating the union of two families. Today, it is often one of the most energetic and festive events of the wedding weekend.
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Saturday · September 5, 2026
Ceremony Day
A full ceremony day beginning with the Baraat and continuing into the sacred Telugu Hindu wedding ceremony.
Time
8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Location
Corinthian Room
Attire
Indian Formal
Attire Guide
Suggested Color Palette
Avoid These Colors
Women's Inspiration
Sarees, Half Sarees.
Men's Inspiration
Sherwanis, Kurtas, Dhoti Kurtas.
Event Timeline
8:00 AM
Baraat
9:00 AM
Wedding Ceremony Begins
11:32 AM
Muhurtham
The auspicious ceremony moment.
12:30 PM
Lunch Reception Opens
2:30 PM
Event Concludes
Good to Know
Please arrive at least 15 minutes early if you'd like to participate in the Baraat.
The ceremony will be conducted according to South Indian Hindu traditions.
A traditional vegetarian lunch will be served following the ceremony.
The ceremony space may require removing shoes during certain portions of the event.
Guests are welcome to step in and out throughout the ceremony and do not need to remain in the ceremony room the entire time.
While inside the ceremony space, we kindly ask guests to respect our unplugged ceremony and refrain from using phones, cameras, and other devices during the wedding ceremony.
The Traditions
Gowri Puja
Before the ceremony, the bride offers prayers to Goddess Gowri, seeking blessings for a happy, prosperous, and enduring marriage.
Baraat
The groom arrives in a joyful procession with music, dancing, and a warm welcome from the bride's family.
Ganesh Puja
The ceremony begins with prayers to Lord Ganesha, seeking blessings and the removal of obstacles.
Kashi Yatra
In this playful tradition, the groom symbolically renounces worldly life before being persuaded by the bride's family to return and embrace marriage.
Kanyadanam
The bride's parents formally entrust their daughter to the groom, offering their blessings as two families unite.
Jeelakarra Bellam
The bride and groom place a paste of cumin and jaggery on each other's heads, symbolizing an inseparable bond through life's sweet and challenging moments.
Mangalasutra Dharana
The groom ties the mangalsutra around the bride's neck, signifying their sacred union and lifelong commitment.
Talambralu
The couple showers each other with rice in a joyful ritual representing prosperity, happiness, and abundance.
Saptapadi
Together, the couple takes seven sacred steps, each representing a promise and blessing for their future as partners.
Arundhati Nakshatram
The newlyweds are shown the star Arundhati, a symbol of devotion, partnership, and steadfast love.
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Sunday · September 6, 2026
Reception
An evening of dinner, toasts, and celebration as we come together to honor the newlyweds.
Time
6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location
Ballroom
Attire
Formal Attire
Attire Guide
Suggested Color Palette
Avoid These Colors
Women's Inspiration
Formal gowns, elegant sarees, lehengas, mirror work.
Men's Inspiration
Tailored suits, tuxedos, formal jackets, polished evening wear.
Event Timeline
6:00 PM
Cocktail Hour
7:00 PM
Grand Entrances
7:30 PM
Dinner Service
8:15 PM
Toasts & Special Moments
9:00 PM
Open Dance Floor
11:00 PM
Event Concludes
Good to Know
Cocktail hour begins at 6:00 PM.
Expect an evening filled with dancing, performances, and special moments.
Formal attire is encouraged—this is our most glamorous event of the weekend.
The dance floor will open following dinner and toasts.
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