In recent years, there have been increasing cases of visitors coming back to Rajasthan to get married. Nowhere else is a marriage likely to be more romantic or majestic than in Rajasthan. It is an occasion when the bride and groom truly feel royal. However, even attending a marriage as a guest is a special occasion.

In Rajasthan, marriage dates are set according to planetary considerations and auspicious dates are usually between May-July and November-February. Should a visitor get an opportunity to attend a wedding, it should not be forgone.

The wedding takes place at the bride’s house to which the bridegroom comes accompanied with a large barat or procession. This happens even when the bride and groom are from separate towns, which is usually the case since the marriages are ‘arranged’. The groom rides to his bride’s house astride a white mare, in the regalia of a prince complete with a sword. While the marriage rituals are conducted in the house, the bridegroom’s procession is entertained stylishly outside, with amusements and dinner. The bride’s family is responsible for the hospitality and to ensure it is not lacking, they take great effort to look after their guests.

The giving away of the bride is a tearful occasion, but on the evening before, at the bride’s place, there is usually a nightlong vigil enlivened by ghoomar dances. In the groom’s house too, there are ghoomar dances both before and after the marriage ceremony. No wonder the celebrations seem to last forever!