What is the Baraat?
The Baraat is the groom's grand arrival procession to the wedding venue. Accompanied by family and friends dancing to dhol drums and music, the groom traditionally arrives on a decorated horse or in a luxury car.
Planning the Baraat
The Procession - The groom leads on a horse, in a vintage car, or on foot - Family and friends dance behind - A dhol player (or two) leads the music - The procession moves from a staging point to the venue entrance - Duration: 20-45 minutes
Music - Live dhol is essential - Add a DJ van for Bollywood tracks - Mix traditional dhol beats with modern music - Songs: "Balle Balle", "Dhol Jageero Da", "London Thumakda"
The Welcome - The bride's family greets the Baraat at the venue entrance - The bride's mother performs aarti (ritual welcome) - Male elders from both families exchange garlands during the Milni — a formal meeting where corresponding relatives greet each other (father to father, uncle to uncle) - The groom is escorted inside
Logistics
- - Coordinate arrival time precisely with the venue
- - Have a staging area 5-10 minutes away
- - Check if the venue allows horses
- - Arrange permits if the procession is on public roads
- - Have water and drinks available for dancers
Tips
- - Start the Baraat on time — it sets the pace for the whole wedding
- - Assign a coordinator to manage the procession
- - Have a backup plan for weather
- - Brief the horse handler on the route