Barat Nikasi & Jaimala - Wedding Day

The barat nikasi is the wedding procession that accompanies the groom to the wedding venue to meet his bride. The idea is to have as big and extravagant a procession as possible in order to impress the bride and her family. Jitendra's procession marched down one of Kanpur's busiest roads, encircled by portable lanterns a band on a stage-on-wheels. We have never danced so hard in our entire lives. The Jaimala is the exchange of flower garlands between bride and groom, this is done on stage in front of all the guests. Most guests will be photographed on stage with the newly wed couple, have dinner, then go home. Close family and friends will remain for the 6-hour Vedic ceremony following dinner.