Vihari & Sonia's wedding

Day 1
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Visakhapatnam
Day 2
Friday, May 9, 2025
Visakhapatnam
Day 3
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Visakhapatnam
About the hosts
Vihari & Sonia's story
Sonia, the lively and vibrant girl, known for her infectious energy, brings warmth, laughter, and joy to every room she enters. She is a woman of great strength and character, with a heart full of kindness and a soul that embraces both tradition and modernity. And Vihari is talented and charismatic whose many gifts are only outshone by his kind heart. A gifted singer and skilled piano player, Vihari has always been able to bring joy to those around him with his music. The union of Sonia and Vihari was carefully arranged with the blessings of both families. Over time, what started as a thoughtful decision has blossomed into a deep respect and affection for one another. Their families’ trust in each other and in this union has laid the foundation for a lifelong partnership built on mutual respect, love, and understanding.
Day 1Thursday, May 8, 2025Visakhapatnam
Starting time (approximately): 7:00 AM
Venue and host contact details will be disclosed upon booking.
Groom Haldi
The Groom's Haldi ceremony is a lively and colorful event that marks the beginning of the wedding festivities. It’s an occasion for friends and family to gather, celebrate, and shower the groom with love and good wishes. The atmosphere is filled with excitement and joy as family members, especially the groom’s closest relatives, prepare to apply the haldi paste, made from turmeric, sandalwood, and other aromatic ingredients, to the groom with everyone dressed in bright, traditional attire that adds to the cheerful mood of the event. The groom is seated on a special chair and his family members take turns applying the haldi mixture to his face, hands, arms, and legs. Laughter fills the air as the groom may playfully try to avoid the turmeric paste, but eventually, he too joins in the fun and enjoys the moment. The groom’s friends may even take part in mischievous rituals, teasing him or challenging him to dance, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 2Friday, May 9, 2025Visakhapatnam
Starting time (approximately): 6:00 PM
Venue and host contact details will be disclosed upon booking.
Sangeet
The Sangeet is an evening of entertainment and merrymaking, where both families come together to celebrate the couple’s upcoming union. It is a night dedicated to celebration, music, dance, and a lot of fun! This event is usually an informal gathering and has a joyful, relaxed vibe, in contrast to the more formal wedding ceremonies.
Day 3Saturday, May 10, 2025Visakhapatnam
Starting time (approximately): 7:00 AM
Venue and host contact details will be disclosed upon booking.
Mangalasnanam
The Mangalasnanam is a beautiful and serene ritual that marks the beginning of the final preparations before the wedding. The bride and groom, dressed in simple but elegant attire, are made to sit in front of an altar adorned with flowers. For the Mangalasnanam ritual, a special mixture is prepared—usually consisting of turmeric, sandalwood paste, and fragrant oils. This mixture is considered purifying and is applied to the bride and groom's body by their respective family members. The application is done with great care and reverence, as it is believed to purify the couple both physically and spiritually, removing any negative energies and preparing them for the sacred wedding ceremony. We are organizing rain dance and Pot breaking activity (called as "Utti") to amplify the fun and joy and to add liveliness to the event.
Pradhanam/ Engagement
The bride and groom exchange engagement rings as a symbol of their commitment to one another. The elders from both families, especially parents, often offer their blessings to the couple. The couple may exchange gifts such as flowers, sweets, or token items that signify the joining of their families. The bride may be presented with a beautiful piece of jewelry, or both families may give the couple gifts of love and prosperity.
Panakala kavidi
The bride's family plays a part in welcoming the groom and his family. The Groom's family is seated and decorated with paper jewellery and given jaggery water welcoming them. Next the Groom's family performs the similar ritual to bride's family. Each family exhibits their gifts to the bride and groom, beautifully wrapped, for the guests to see.
Kasi Yatra
Kashi Yatra is a unique pre-wedding ritual. The groom, dressed as if he is going on a pilgrimage to Kashi (Varanasi), walks away from the wedding site. The bride’s brother stops him, offering him his sister’s hand in marriage to fulfill his quest for spiritual enlightenment.
Wedding
The groom, traditionally dressed in a veshti (a white dhoti with a zari border) and angavastram (a shawl), arrives at the wedding venue with his family. There is usually a lot of fanfare, with the playing of traditional music instruments and dancing. The Bride is brought to the Mandap in a beautifully decorated bamboo basket by the relatives of the Bride. Kanyadaanam (Giving Away the Bride): One of the most emotional moment where the bride's father gives his daughter away to the groom. The bride’s hands are placed in the groom’s hands by her father, signifying the passing of responsibility for the bride’s care and happiness. Jaimala ceremony where the bride and groom exchange floral garlands. The groom ties the Thali or Mangalsutra (a sacred thread or pendant) around the bride’s neck and is accompanied by prayers, mantras, and blessings. The bride and groom perform Talambralu where they pour the sacred rice grains with turmeric on each other's head while surrounded by family.