B is for Baraat (Tampa Indian Wedding Planner)

We have been doing an alphabet glossary series, if you missed any of it, you can get all caught up here. Every week we will be posting about a Letter of the alphabet and how it relates to Tampa Indian wedding. 

Today’s word and meaning is Baraat

Baraat: 

Baraat is a fun, grandiose procession when the groom travels to the venue, on a decorative house, elephant, or even a luxurious car such as Ferrari, accompanied by his side of the family and friends.  As the groom is being seated and carried on a horse, elephant, car, his family and friends are dancing and singing all the way through and he is the center of attention. There is usually a dhol player and a DJ that partakes in the procession. The rhythm of the dhol transport you to another planet, and prepares you for a fun evening,  while everyone is having fun, as the family rejoices for the reason that an eligible bachelor will start a new life with his partner. A baraat can last between 30 minutes to 1 hour, as it is really a fun celebration. 

The groom then get off his horse, elephant, and join in on the singing and dancing, and this is when the crowds starts going a bit wild, as they surround him while he dances to the beat of the dhol. Eventually, the baraat will reach the ceremony spot, where the bride’s family will be waiting for them. 

As they reach their meeting point,  the groom and all the baraat followers are greeted by the bride’s side. The mother of the bride applies tilak on groom’s forehead and perform a specific ritual. The groom then walks in the ceremony space and waits on his bride for the exchange of garlands. It also depends on the type of culture, this might be a bit different. 

I am so excited to share more with you on this series, but if you do have questions or planning an Indian or multicultural wedding in Tampa, Orlando, contact us to get tips and get started. 

Photo Credit: Ron Miller Photography

Xoxo, Georgette