One of the best parts of being a wedding photographer is the opportunity to learn about different cultures and to experience different traditions. I was so thrilled and honored when Anita & Ankit contacted me after being referred by my friend: Desi Wedding Photographer Saad Syed. Anita and Ankit were married at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly VA in a Hindu wedding ceremony as prescribed in Vedic scripture. I provided coverage for the Sangeet at the amazing Washington DC Cosmos Club on Saturday, and then the incomparable Chuck Anerino helped me to document the wedding day ceremonies in Chantilly on Sunday. The celebration was planned and coordinated by Courtney from A Sweet Soiree, and it was a pleasure to work with her.

For those of my blog readers who are not as familiar with Hindu tradition, I am going to caption and explain this set a little more than I usually do. As is typical for my site, more than 80% of these images are un-posed and un-manipulated documentary.

Sangeet can be literally translated into English as “sung together.” It is a celebration that brings together the families of the bride and groom, and features much singing, dancing, and food. Anita and Ankit’s Sangeet featured a number of ceremonial dances and traditional Indian songs, as well as toasts from some of the couple’s relations.

The Sangeet began with the Garba, a circular Indian folk dance.

The Garba was followed by the Dandiya Raas, which is a traditional dance in which the sticks represent the sword of Durga in her battle with the demon lord Mahishasura.

Anita’s aunt Radha performs with Anita, Ankit, and their family looking on. Radha is the name of the supreme beloved of Krishna, and theirs is the great love story of the Hindu faith… how appropriate!

Anita’s brother Navin on the dance floor

Navin giving his heartfelt toast.

One of the key parts of the Sangeet is the Dholki singing. The Dholki is a two sided drum, seen here in the foreground. Traditional songs and dances are performed, which are light-hearted and even humorous. You can see Anita and Ankit in the background laughing in this photo.

The Wedding Day

The wedding day began for me at the home of Anita’s parents, for the Puja ceremony. The Puja involved a series of offerings, and preparation of the bride for the day with some of her ceremonial ornamentation.

In this image, auspicious saffron powder is marked on Anita’s forehead as a sign of devotion

Anita’s grandmother ties on the Kaleerey.

Grandmother traveled all the way from India to be here for this wedding.

Here you can see the Mehndi (henna art), the Chura (bracelets), and the Kaleerey (bells)

image by Chuck Anerino

The necklace in this image belonged to Anita’s great grandmother.

image by Chuck Anerino

image by Chuck Anerino

image by Chuck Anerino

The Baraat Swagat is the procession of the grooms family to the venue, and receiving of the groom’s party by the bride’s family.

image by Chuck Anerino

Ankit riding a decorated horse as part of the Baraat ceremony.

Anita’s mother greets Ankit and applies the Tilak, a red mark on the forehead signifying welcome and luck

The Milni is a special greeting between pairs of the family members from each side.

Anita enters the wedding and processes toward the Mandup (altar) with her father

The Varmala is the greeting between the bride and groom. Var means to accept as your own.

The couple make one of seven circles around the sacred fire. This is the most important part of the ceremony, symbolizing the beginning of their journey through life together. Notice that their scarves are tied together: this is the origin of the expression “tying the knot,” and part of the ceremony.

With each circle, the couple seek the blessing of God to enable them to fulfill their seven vows. Image by Chuck Anerino

Circling the sacred fire

The exchange of rings

Aashirvaad: after having received the blessings of their parents and relatives, the couple walks from the Mandap together and are showered with flower petals to symbolize blessings from the guests.

image by Chuck Anerino

Detail of the Mehndi (henna) on Anita’s hand. One tradition is that Ankit needs to find his name in the Mehndi during the course of the day. You can see it here, appropriately located right under Anita’s thumb.

image by Chuck Anerino

image by Chuck Anerino

After Ankit’s toast, he is embraced by his father

image by Chuck Anerino

The Vidai is considered to be the most emotional ritual, when the bride leaves her parents’ home and makes her way to her husband’s.

As part of the Vidai, Anita throws rice behind her to symbolize repaying her family for all that they have done for her as she leaves to start a new life with her husband.