An explosion of colors
Dynamic, chaotic, magical. India is one of those places that remains forever in the retina and in the heart.
the bustle of New Delhi , the pinkish hue Jaipur , the temples of Khajuraho , the tea plantations of Darjeeling , the holy city of varanasi , purification rituals in the Ganges , the majesty of Taj Mahal …
If one thing is clear, it is that India is vast, but one of the things that will turn your trip into a unique experience is, without a doubt, attend an authentic traditional Indian wedding.
Now, you may be thinking that we are forgetting a small but crucial detail: you have no invitation or any distant cousin or a friend of a friend who is going to get married in this country. No problem! JoinMyWedding takes care of everything.
“Offering the traveler the possibility of living an authentic cultural experience, That's our purpose," he says. Orsi Parkanyi, co-founder and president of Join My Wedding, a Traveler.es
Long live the bride and groom!
THE WEDDING THAT LEADED THE WAY
The idea arose when Marti Matecsa, co-founder of JoinMyWedding, attended a traditional Indian wedding in Tamil Nadu.
"It was an incredible experience: the ceremony, the beautiful saris, the exotic flavors and aromas, the decorations and lights, the generosity and hospitality of the people… On the way home, I came up with the idea that travelers could enjoy this wonder," says Marti.
For her part, Orsi Parkanyi, she was born and lived in Hungary until she moved to Australia in her twenties. “I missed all my friends weddings! Three years ago, while visiting my family, I spoke with a girl who told me that she had attended a traditional wedding in India and it was amazing. So I started thinking: ‘what if there was a way for people to join weddings all over the world?’”, Orsi tells Travele.es
"You haven't been to India if you haven't been to an Indian wedding" Says the Join My Wedding motto. Also "Become an Indian for a day", "or a few days in the case of a ' Big Fat Indian Wedding' !” says Orsi.
You haven't really been to India if you haven't been to an Indian wedding
READY TO EXPERIENCE AN AUTHENTIC 'BIG FAT INDIAN WEDDING'?
In India there are more than 300 different types of weddings and every year they are celebrated around 11 million, of which approximately 80% are Hindu weddings.
Some of the celebrations that you will find in JoinMyWedding are the Sangeet –a ceremony for women only in which family and friends sing songs and bless the bride– and the Mehndi – the ritual of henna –.
Refering to wedding proper, is celebrated strictly observing what is established in the Vedas (the four oldest texts of Indian literature).
The reception –also known as the paradise of food– is usually celebrated the day after the wedding, being the first appearance of the newlyweds in public.
A cultural immersion you will never forget
THE MOTIVES OF INDIAN COUPLES
Indian couples have different motivations for participating: “By opening their wedding celebrations, couples are forming new, meaningful and lasting connections with people from different countries, sharing this special day”, Osiris tells Traveler.es
“Furthermore, in this way, save a little on wedding expenses –Which are huge in India –imagine over a thousand people for three days!–“, he continues.
"Definitely, are proud to be Indian and would love to share their rich culture with whoever you want, ”he concludes.
Crazy gastronomy will fascinate you
HOW TO ATTEND AN INDIAN WEDDING?
To attend the ceremony, simply select the wedding you would like to attend (one or several days) on the ** JoinMyWedding ** website.
The entrance is from €130 one day or €220 for two, three or more days (said money goes to the couples except a small commission that JoinMyWedding keeps) wedding and includes: attendance to the ceremony, food and drink and a 'wedding guide' appointed by the bride and groom who welcomes the guests and explains the customs, traditions and what is happening.
The Mehndi ceremony is also usually included, but it depends on the couple and the agreement in question. Transportation, accommodation and suit rental is organized by the travellers, although the latter is not mandatory (nor is bringing gifts).
Are we going to India for a wedding?
Mehndi, the henna ritual