What and When

Wednesday, Oct. 19

Jaana Vaasam
Nitschyathaartham

Engagement Ceremonies

Who: families

When: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 P.M.

Where: Sanatana Dharma Kendra temple, San Jose
 

The nitschyathaartham is a religious ceremony — what is known as a puja — that is performed by the bride and groom’s families who seek blessings for a successful wedding to come. It’s traditionally performed a day or two before the actual wedding.

Before the nitschyathaartham starts, the groom will formally arrive for the proceedings. This is called the jaana vaasam. This is the part where you may imagine the groom riding in on an elephant. Ashwin will probably ride his bike.

The ceremony typically lasts for a couple hours, with a lunch that will follow. 

Thursday, Oct. 20

Maruthaani
Sangeetham

Henna Designs, Dancing, Then Dinner

WHO: Wedding Party and families

WHEN: 5:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.

WHERE: Palomares Hills Clubhouse, Castro Valley

This is a more cultural component of the traditional Indian wedding, where people have intricate designs drawn on their hands and wrists with henna paste. Traditionally, this event has been for women; men can join in if they want.

Designs often look like interpretations of rays of the sun, and typically last for four or five days. On one level, they are intended to symbolize an awakening of our inner light.

The bride’s designs are so intricate that it will take up to four hours to put on. Leslie will probably get hers done a day before everyone else.

During the evening, we’ll have music by the Mysore Brothers, a violin duo on tour from India who perform in classical style. The music will be followed by some dancing and merriment. 

Not to be outdone, a Bollywood dance instructor will show Ashwin (and whoever else is interested) how to dance better than a robot.

Friday, Oct. 21

Kalyaanam

The Wedding

WHO: everyone

WHEN: 8:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.

WHERE: Shiva Vishnu Temple, Livermore

The traditional South Indian wedding isn’t short. Ours will last about five hours, and will include a variety of small ceremonies that range from reverent to playful. At one point, Ashwin and Leslie will be hoisted on the shoulders of their uncles, and the couple will then drape flower garlands over each other.

The ceremony comes from Hindu scriptures and traditions that go back centuries. It’s performed in Sanskrit, one of the oldest languages in the world.

For those who haven’t been to a wedding like this before, they are very much considered to be community events, and guests are encouraged to socialize in an open-house atmosphere. You shouldn’t feel bound to stay seated the whole time. There will be breakfast and lunch served.

The core parts of the ceremony will start at about 9:30. 

Each part of India has its own wedding traditions that evoke the region’s heritage in some way. This ceremony reflects the part of South India where Ashwin’s family is from.

Among the highlights are:

• A puja in the beginning in honor of Ganesha, the Hindu god that is known as the remover of obstacles, to pray for everything to go well.
• A small fire ceremony that serves as a rite of purification.
• A procession of seven steps, and with each step, Ashwin and Leslie recite prayers to live long, healthy and charitable lives.

Saturday, OCT. 22

Reception

The Part Where We Dance and Be Merry

WHO: YOU

WHEN: SATURDAY, OCT. 22, AT 5:00 P.M.

WHERE: SHED, HEALDSBURG, CALIF.

We’ll mark the end of the festivities with a bit of style in wine country. 

On Saturday evening, we’re hosting a reception at SHED, two hours north of San Francisco. It will be a more intimate affair, an evening spent with family and a few of Ashwin and Leslie’s close friends. Please grace us with your smiling faces.

For more info, visit our reception page »

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