Before delving into our story, it’s crucial to note that I am from the United States, while my now-husband is a product of India. In the initial phases of our relationship, discussions about marriage surfaced naturally, driven by the shared certainty that we were destined to spend our lives together. Given our stark cultural differences,Continue reading “Unraveling the Sangeet Tradition: A Bride’s Perspective Through an American Lens”
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Haldi Ceremony Explained: An Indian Bride’s Insight from an American Lens
Before delving into our story, it’s crucial to note that I am from the United States, while my now-husband is a product of India. In the initial phases of our relationship, discussions about marriage surfaced naturally, driven by the shared certainty that we were destined to spend our lives together. Given our stark cultural differences,Continue reading “Haldi Ceremony Explained: An Indian Bride’s Insight from an American Lens”
Indian Pre-Wedding Rituals: An American Perspective as an Indian Bride
Before I begin, I think it’s important to mention that while I was born and raised in the United States, my (now) husband was born and raised in India. When we were in our early stages of dating, we began to talk about marriage as we both knew from day one that we would spendContinue reading “Indian Pre-Wedding Rituals: An American Perspective as an Indian Bride”
Mehndi Ceremony: An American Perspective as an Indian Bride
My husband was born and raised in India and I was born and raised in the United States. When we were in our early stages of dating, we had already begun to talk about marriage as we both knew from day one that we would spend the rest of our lives with each other. So,Continue reading “Mehndi Ceremony: An American Perspective as an Indian Bride”
India Trip: Day 8 – Shopping in India and Buying My First Saree
Upon waking up this morning, I went downstairs to find Mom and Dad both awake, despite the early hour it was. Dad invited me to go on a walk with him, which I excitedly agreed to! I quickly got ready and we made our way over to Akota Garden – a beautiful public park thatContinue reading “India Trip: Day 8 – Shopping in India and Buying My First Saree”
What to Expect on Your First Trip to India
As much as I love India, it’s not for everyone. I’m not just saying this – Indians have told me this (specifically my fiancé and his family) as a forewarning to prepare me for my first trip which occurred in March 2022. The sights, the sounds, the smells, the people – ALL of these aspects differ greatly from those of the United States, the environment that I was born and raised in. Monish’s sister actually told me that she’s had friends come visit her in India from different parts of the world, and that some of them are just overwhelmed by everything this incredible country has to offer. Understanding this, Monish began preparing me for my first trip to India back when we first started dating, which happened to begin right before the 2020 pandemic lockdown occurred.
India Trip: Day 7 – Traveling by Train to Vadodara, Gujarat, India (March 20th, 2022)
Today is finally the day that I will travel to Monish’s childhood home and spend time in the place where he grew up. But first, we’ve got to take a 5-hour train ride from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India to Vadodara, Gujarat, India.
India Trip: Day 6 – A Mumbai Adventure (March 19th, 2022)
This morning began by saying goodbye to Mom and Dad as they are heading back to Vadodara to prepare for us to come stay with them. After sending them off to the train station, Moni and I ventured out to purchase fabric for me to take home! I’ve been looking forward to this moment for months now because as an aspiring fashion designer, I know that India manufactures large quantities of textiles and that I will be able to purchase good quality fabrics at a lower cost while here. Moni and I hopped into an auto and made our way to Tirumala Shopping Centre – let the fun begin!
India Trip: Day 5 – Celebrating Holi (March 18th, 2022)
We woke up pretty late this morning after getting some well-deserved rest following all of the travel and adventure surrounding our recent trip to The Taj Mahal. As I was slowly coming-to, I noticed a sound coming from below that was much different than I’d heard on previous mornings in Mumbai… Moni promptly reminded me that today is Holi! Excitement began to fill my body as I realized that today is the day that I finally get to play Holi – and in India, for that matter!
India Trip Day 4: A Dream Come True – Visiting The Taj Mahal (March 17, 2022)
We woke up a little before 5am to begin getting ready to head to the Taj Mahal! Of course, Moni and I not only woke up late, but we also took longer to get ready than everyone else, meaning that we left later than we had originally planned for. We were hoping to arrive right at 6am when the gates opened so that we could beat the crowds and watch the sun rise over the magnificent Taj Mahal.