It seems like more and more people are becoming enthralled by the Indian culture – the musical-esque Bollywood movies, especially those with the over-the–top wedding sequences. People know that I have a large extended wedding, so I often get asked questions like “oh, are they really that big?” or “is there really that much dancing?” and “is it really that long?” The events of the wedding change depending on the part of India you’re from, but from my experiences at Indian weddings, here are my favorite parts:

1. Mehendi

The first night of the wedding ceremonies start with the Mehendi party. It is the first time the entire family has come together in a long time and celebration is in the air! Women delicately cover their arms in intricate, traditional designs. I’ll admit, keeping still the entire time and moreover making sure you don’t smudge the design is definitely hard to do.

2. Garba

This event is specific to the part of India I am from, Gujarat. It is an entire night filled with dancing. Until late at night, all members of the family dance in a circle and to the rhythms of the dandiya sticks.

3. Baraat

As the groom enters, usually on a horse, the families of the bride and groom meet each other and celebrate the occasion by nothing other than dancing.

4. Games

The little “games” in the wedding depend on the region of India the bride and groom are from. My personal favorite from Gujarati weddings is the shoes game. As the groom enters the venue and gets onto the stage, he must take off his shoes. It is this very moment that every kid in the audience lives for. The children on the bride’s side try to the steal the shoes while those on the groom’s side tries to protect him. Once the ceremony is over and the groom must get down from the stage, he is lucky if his family safely protected his shoes. Otherwise, if the bride’s family got to them, the bride’s family gets to ask for some sort of gift from the groom in return for the gift. Also, besides the reward, the family that either stole or protected the shoes gets major bragging rights.

5. Clothes

Now I admit, since I was small, I’ve had a problem with Indian clothes being a little uncomfortable to wear, but they really do make the event. They are what transform a family gathering into a celebration and the outfits are gorgeous!

6. Food

No Indian event would be complete without food, and a wedding is no different. Each event, of which there are usually approximately four or five, has a different type of Indian cuisine. There is everything ranging from sweet to savory. You can expect everything from naan and paneer to samosas, mango lassi and gulab jamun!