Haldi!
In early June I traveled down to southern Florida to photograph the extravaganza that was the wedding of Leanet and Sayd. You may remember this beautiful couple when they braved a blizzard in the Great Smoky Mountains for Sayd to drop to his knee and propose marriage. Their wedding was as magnificent and the festivities went on for four days!
But I want to show you one part of it that I thought was quite fascinating - their haldi ceremony. Haldi is the Hindi word for the spice tumeric, one that is featured often in Indian cuisine but one that is also used for medicinal purpose given its anti-inflammatory nature. Led by the pandit (Hindu celebrant or priest), the tumeric and other ingredients are prepared and blessed. A paste is made with the spice and starting with the family of the couple, they are anointed with the paste - after which others join in and that’s where it gets fun, with guests jokingly smearing as much on the couple as they can. Tumeric has a bright yellow color, which is considered auspicious and lucky, and pretty soon the couple is glowing, very literally!
How do they wash it off? In Leanet and Sayd’s case, the ceremony was held on the beach at the Marriott Harbor Beach resort in Fort Lauderdale. After the last of the tumeric had been applied, Leanet and Sayd started running straight to the water - and dove in. They frolicked and cavorted like dolphins, with everyone laughing because the haldi ceremony is meant not only to bless the couple but to also ensure their good health for the wedding. Think about it - it is held the day before the ceremony so any pre-wedding jitters are allayed with the laughter and joking of all assembled. Given the healing nature of tumeric, this means the happy couple are receiving health benefits in both mind and body. Can you think of a better way to prepare for your wedding?
When I say I have the greatest job in the world, it is because of moments like this. Not only are Leanet and Sayd wonderful people but their families and friends are as well, and I get to interact with very fine folk. But the icing on the cake, if you will, are moments like this where I can experience the traditions of other cultures. If you are planning a wedding and do not have in your own culture something like this . . . make your own! It is a feature such as a haldi ceremony, or burying the bourbon, or performing a flamenco for your new spouse, that bring a special note to a wedding. In my opinion, though, there is one cardinal rule: MAKE IT FUN.