WEDDING WEEKEND
Haldi/Mehndi Ceremonies
Venue TBD
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Haldi is a ceremony leading up to the wedding. Family and friends come together on this auspicious occasion to apply turmeric paste (haldi) on the bride and groom's face and body. This is intended to bring “glow” to the bride and groom’s skin. The occasion is celebrated with dhol (drum beats), Bollywood songs and endless dancing. The haldi portion will end with some playful splashing of water on the bride and groom.
Mehndi (you may know this as henna) is a form of temporary hand tattoos. Mehndi artists apply intricate designs to the palm of your hands using mehdni cones. The designs lasts for about ~1 week depending on how long the mehndi sits on the palm before it is washed off.
Suggested Attire: Please wear yellow Indian wear.
Iglesia San José El Viejo
Welcome Party & Sangeet
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Come join us for cocktails and dinner and without-doubt the best part of any Indian wedding—Sangeet Night. This is where friends and family will sing and show you their best dances. Some of you will be “volun-told” (volunteered) to dance but if you have a performance idea in mind, let Shrota or Marcus know!
Suggested Attire: Semi-formal Indian party wear (go for color!)
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Convento Santa Clara
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Kicking off the wedding ceremony with a joyous and very loud parade through the streets with Marcus. Marcus and all wedding guests will promptly meet at (LOCATION TBD) to begin the baraat. The baraat is the wedding procession where the groom travels to his bride and the bride’s family welcomes the groom into the family. This is meant to be a fun, dancing in the streets type event.
Following the baraat, the ceremony will begin. The ceremony and customs will be translated to English. Cocktail hour and reception will proceed.
Suggested Attire: Formal wear
Optional Post-Wedding Trip to Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan
Monday, January 26, 2026
If you can swing a few more days off, family and friends are encouraged to join Shrota and Marcus on a post-wedding trip to Lake Atitlan. Lake Atitlan is a majestic lake with small towns surrounding the lake and is only 2.5 hours away. You can travel between the towns with water taxis!
Let Shrota & Marcus know if you’re interested in joining the group!