Day two of Preethi and Mani’s wedding festivities kicked off with their Janavasam celebration at the JSS Spiritual mission in Gaithersburg, Maryland. During the Janavasam celebration the immediate family on both sides gather for a puja and a formal welcoming. Preethi’s family and close relatives welcomed the groom’s family with garlands. The bride’s family also presented the groom with traditional Indian clothing and jewelry to wear during ceremonies the next day. After an intimate puja, Mani’s family assisted him on a tall beautifully decorated white horse and they made their way to the Nischyadhartam. The objective of this procession is to announce to the public that the groom is getting married and to seek their approval.
Mani was impeccably dressed traditionally in a red sherwani and saafa. The Nischyadhartam ceremony is similar to the engagement ceremony. Traditionally, the engagement occurs days before the wedding, Preethi and Mani kept with this tradition. Mani’s parade to this ceremony included a live dhol player, traditional South Indian songs and plenty of dancing and fan fair! Once the procession arrived at their destination, Mani and his family was greeted by the bride’s parents and members of her family in the milni ceremony. Preethi was beautifully dressed in an ornate sari. Delicate jasmine flowers elegantly adorned her braided hair as she looked fabulous!
Preethi and Mani’s mandap for the Nischyadhartam ceremony was beautifully decorated in colorful fabrics and sashes. After the formal puja on the mandap the guests danced around Mani and Preethi and then feasted on scrumptious food including fresh dosas! Everyone was excited for what the next day, Mani and Preethi’s wedding ceremony and reception would bring!
