What is the Haldi?
The Haldi ceremony is a pre-wedding purification ritual where a paste of turmeric, sandalwood, and rose water is applied to the bride and groom. Turmeric is considered auspicious and is believed to ward off evil spirits, bless the couple, and give their skin a golden glow.
The Ritual
- The bride/groom sits on a decorated low seat
- Close family members take turns applying the paste
- Traditional songs are sung
- After the ceremony, the bride/groom bathes to wash off the paste
- The turmeric paste is sometimes passed from the groom's ceremony to the bride's
What You Need
- - Turmeric powder, sandalwood paste, rose water
- - Decorated banana leaves or cloth
- - Marigold flowers for decoration
- - Old clothes for everyone (turmeric stains!)
- - Music and speakers
Planning Tips
- - Held 1-2 days before the wedding
- - Duration: 1-2 hours
- - Usually at home — keep it intimate
- - Yellow is the theme — decorate accordingly
- - Prepare for stains on everything!