If someone asks me what an Indian wedding is, I’m usually at a loss for words. I explain them with the usual – they are grand, have impromptu dance performances, yummy food and unlimited masti! But do you think this description really sums up the awesomeness of a desi shaadi? No, right? So I have come up with an A-Z guide to a desi wedding that makes it just so special. Here you go…
1. A for Aunties
Any desi shaadi is incomplete without the ‘aunties’ – and a variety of them at that. The one who dances and sings like there’s no tomorrow, one who criticizes your outfits, other who goes all out with her jewellery and so many more!
2. B for Band Baaja Baaraat
3. C for Chooda
4. D for Doli
5. E is for all those EXCITED relatives!
Yes, all those beloved cousins, chachi, mamis, mausa and everybody else present at the venue. They always seem to be more excited about your wedding than you!
6. F for Freeloaders
The ones who are only there for the free food and mithai!
7. G for Girls decked up from top to toe
You will find every colour and kind of outfit at a desi shaadi, we betcha!
8. H for Halwais
The ones who sit in the backyard of the house and dish out yummy pakoras, tea and sweets for everyone!
9. I for Invites
Not just invites, extravagant invites for that matter!
10. J for Joota chupai
This is a super fun Punjabi (now universal) ritual where the bride’s sisters and friends hide the groom’s shoes and demand shagun in return for his juttis!
11. K for Kalire
The gorgeous jewellery that a Punjabi bride wears with her chooda… Aren’t they stunning?!
12. L for Love stories
Because what is a wedding without love stories? Also, desi weddings are a dream come true for all the aunties who love playing cupid.
13. M for Mehendi
14. N for Nachde ne saare
Dance like no one’s watching, quite literally!
15. O for… Oh ho ho ho, oh ho ho ho…
Ishq tera tadpave!!!
16. P for Phere
The wedding vows taken around the holy fire, guys!
17. Q for Questionable choice of outfits…
Some wedding guests wear really crazy outfits and don’t even realise it!
18. R for Rishtedaar
The ones that make a desi shaadi so much fun!
19. S for Sangeet
The one event that kick starts all the masti!
20. T for Tilak
21. U for Uncles
It’s important to give a special mention to all the awesome uncles present at desi shaadis. Especially that drunk uncle who dances with a whiskey glass balanced on his head, the one who looks after all the arrangements and the uncle who takes care of the shagun envelopes.
22. V for Vidaai
23. W for Mundeya di ho gayi, WAH bhai WAH!
A famous Punjabi wedding song, that plays at every desi shaadi, no matter what!
24. X is for being Xtra
Do we really need to explain this? Indian weddings are all about being extra – with outfits, jewellery, food, celebrations and everything else!
25. Y for Yummy food
26. Z for Zzzing during the pheras!
Quick fact: Most guests have a quick 5-minute nap if not more.
This according to me is what desi weddings are all about! Do you have any additions to make?
