Roka or Nichayathartham
Ganesh Puja
Haldi or Pithi
Mehndi Night
Sangeet
Mandvo
Hindu Wedding Ceremony
Reception
Indian Hindu Wedding Events
Roka or Nichayathartham: The First Family Blessing
The Roka, or Nichayathartham in Tamil traditions, marks the official start of the wedding journey. It is a formal engagement where both families meet to bless the couple and confirm the match.
Whether you are planning an Indian Hindu wedding or a mixed culture wedding, this ceremony sets the tone for everything that follows.
What is a Roka?
It is a traditional commitment ceremony that often includes a small puja, gift exchange, and in some cases, a ring ceremony. The atmosphere is warm, intimate, and emotionally significant. It symbolises both families agreeing to the match and marks the beginning of wedding preparations.
Who is invited?
Usually close family and relatives. In modern weddings, some couples turn it into a small party with friends and food.
Do you need an invitation for the Roka?
Yes. Even if it is an intimate gathering, a formal invitation helps set expectations and makes the event feel special.
At Raw Invites, we offer both print and digital South Asian wedding invitations that match your event’s style. Whether you’re using a wedding template or going fully custom, we help you introduce your wedding timeline beautifully.
How to personalise your Roka invitation
Why it matters
The Roka is not just a formality. It marks the emotional beginning of your journey together. It brings families into the picture and starts the celebration with intention.
Ganesh Puja: Blessings Before Everything Begins
Ganesh Puja is a traditional prayer ceremony performed to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha before the wedding events begin.
What is Ganesh Puja?
It is a sacred Hindu ritual that removes obstacles and invites good fortune. Usually held at home, it can be combined with other events like Haldi or Mehndi. A priest conducts the puja with offerings like coconut, flowers, incense, and sweets.
Who is invited?
Typically close family, but some couples open it to guests attending the Haldi or other functions.
Do you need an invitation?
Yes, especially if it is a part of a larger day of events. You can include it as part of your full wedding schedule.
At Raw Invites, we create wedding invitations that include multiple events in one clean, visually engaging design.
How to personalise your Ganesh Puja invitation
Why it matters
Ganesh Puja creates a spiritual foundation. It starts your wedding celebrations with calm, blessings, and purpose.
Haldi or Pithi: The Fun and Glow Ceremony
This is one of the most joyful events in the Indian Hindu wedding timeline. The Haldi (or Pithi in some cultures) is a light-hearted, turmeric-based ceremony.
What is Haldi?
Family and friends apply turmeric paste to the bride and groom as a blessing and beauty ritual. It is known for laughter, vibrant decor, and candid moments. Music, flower showers, and traditional songs often fill the air.
Who is invited?
Close family and friends, often held separately for bride and groom.
Do you need an invitation?
Yes. It’s often part of a multi-event day and should be communicated clearly.
Raw Invites can help you create matching invitations for Haldi and Mehndi, or combine them in one clear layout.
How to personalise your Haldi invitation
Why it matters
It brings joy and lightness before the formal events begin. Haldi is about love, tradition, and community.
Mehndi Night: Art, Music, and Dancing
The Mehndi night is where the bride is adorned with henna and guests gather for music, food, and bonding. It is one of the most photographed and loved pre-wedding functions.
What is a Mehndi night?
Traditionally held the night before the wedding, this event celebrates the bride with intricate henna designs, music, and dance. It is mostly a women-led event but has become more inclusive over time. Some families include performances, a DJ, or themed decor.
Who is invited?
Close friends, bridesmaids, aunties, and sometimes the groom’s family.
Do you need an invitation?
Yes. It helps guests plan their attire, arrival time, and participation.
At Raw Invites, we design beautiful invitations that reflect the joyful energy of Mehndi night, using vibrant colours and detailed illustrations.
How to personalise your Mehndi invitation
Why it matters
This night is about bonding and beauty. It allows the bride to be pampered, supported, and surrounded by love.
Sangeet: The Night of Celebration
The Sangeet is where families perform dances, tell stories, and celebrate the couple. It is one of the most entertaining events in the wedding timeline.
What is a Sangeet?
A music and dance-filled evening where family and friends put on performances. It’s often paired with dinner and festive decor. Guests may rehearse skits, dance medleys, or even surprise flash mobs.
Who is invited?
All wedding guests are usually welcome. It’s a big, social night.
Do you need an invitation?
Yes. It should include timing, dress code, and whether guests should prepare a dance.
Raw Invites can help you create high-energy invitations that show your guests what to expect and get them excited.
How to personalise your Sangeet invitation
Why it matters
The Sangeet breaks the ice and brings families together with fun and laughter. It sets the tone for a joyful wedding.
Mandvo: The Sacred Home Blessing
The Mandvo is a spiritual ceremony at home that prepares the space and family for the wedding day.
What is Mandvo?
A mandap is set up, and a priest performs rituals to purify the home and protect the couple’s path ahead. It is especially common in Gujarati weddings. Items like turmeric, rice, flowers, and mango leaves are used during the rituals.
Who is invited?
Close family and relatives.
Do you need an invitation?
Yes, especially if combining it with another event.
Raw Invites offers invitations that combine Mandvo with other pre-wedding functions, all designed in a cohesive suite.
How to personalise your Mandvo invitation
Why it matters
Mandvo adds meaning to the entire wedding. It brings tradition into the family home.
Hindu Wedding Ceremony: The Spiritual Centrepiece
The wedding ceremony is where the couple is officially united in the presence of fire, family, and sacred vows.
What is the ceremony?
Held under a mandap, this ceremony includes rituals like Kanyadaan, Mangalsutra tying, and Saptapadi. It varies slightly by region. The priest leads the ceremony in Sanskrit while guests witness blessings, fire offerings, and the couple’s first steps as partners.
Who is invited?
All guests are welcome, but seating may be arranged based on closeness.
Do you need an invitation?
Yes. This is the main event and should be clearly communicated.
Raw Invites designs full wedding invitation suites that highlight the ceremony schedule, location, and dress code.
How to personalise your ceremony invite
Why it matters
The wedding ceremony is the heart of it all. It is the sacred moment you become married.
Reception: The Grand Finale
The reception is the final celebration, full of glamour, speeches, and dancing.
What is the reception?
A post-wedding party to thank guests and enjoy a more relaxed celebration. Often includes a grand entrance, couple’s first dance, toasts, and a full meal or buffet.
Who is invited?
Everyone from the wedding guest list and sometimes additional friends or colleagues.
Do you need an invitation?
Yes. It may be a stand-alone invite or part of your full suite.
At Raw Invites, we design both print and digital reception invitations that close your wedding weekend in style.
How to personalise your reception invite
Why it matters
The reception lets you unwind, connect with your guests, and celebrate your new beginning.
