Bridal 09

A day before the wedding the palm and feet of the bride are decorated with "henna", in the mehandi ceremony. A canopy or mandapa decorated with flowers is erected at the place of wedding. On the wedding day the bride and groom are anointed with turmeric in their respective homes. The bride looks resplendent in all her finery. The following description of a typical Indian bride has been given in the great Indian classic, the Ramayana - "She is arrayed for her wedding in gossamer fine, red garment, which is embroidered with gold, and jeweled butterflies and other ornaments adorn her lustrous black hair. She is wearing precious gems in her ears, and her arms and wrists are covered with bracelets, while a golden band encircles her slender waist and anklets of gold shine on her feet." The present day Indian bride also dresses almost the same way.