Haldi means turmeric, and the haldi ceremony involves family and friends applying turmeric to the bride and groom, to ward off evil spirits and diseases with its antiseptic properties. This ritual is believed to bring good luck, purify the couple, and create a joyful, auspicious start to their marital journey. Our haldi ceremony was the day prior to our wedding.

More of TJ’s family arrived on the day of the haldi, and we completed other rituals with family. Many guests from Goa brought sweets for Oliver & TJ for their Kelvan, where families share their love for the couple with food.

We performed Ganpati Puja to have an auspicious start to the wedding, and also a ritual called Punyahavachanam, a purification / cleansing ceremony done before important activities like weddings. TJ was decked with green and gold bangles. The green bangles represent hopes for a happy and prosperous life for the newly-wed couple, while the gold bangles are a symbol of affection for the bride.

More photos from our Haldi are on our photo gallery here.