The haldi ceremony is a traditional Indian wedding ritual that involves applying turmeric paste to the bride and groom. It's also known as the "Pithi" ceremony. The ceremony is usually held a day or two before the wedding. Close family and friends apply the paste to the bride and groom's face, neck, arms, and feet The paste is made from turmeric, sandalwood, rose water, and sometimes yogurt or milk The paste is applied with mango leaves, hands, or wooden sticks The ceremony is accompanied by traditional songs and dance. The yellow color of turmeric signifies purity, auspiciousness, and the beginning of a new life The ceremony is also used to rid the couple of Buri Nazar, the Sanskrit term for evil eye The ceremony is believed to prepare the bride and groom for their wedding

Nevertheless, there are a few key rituals common in Hindu weddings – Kanyadaan, Panigrahana, and Saptapadi; these are respectively, giving away of daughter by the father, voluntarily holding hand near the fire to signify impending union, and taking seven steps before fire with each step including a set of mutual vows. Vivaha-homa is also called the "sacred fire ceremony". All solemn rites and ceremonies commence with the performance of Homa (sacred fire ceremony) among the followers of Vedic religion. While not a universal rule, many Hindu weddings, especially in North and East India, take place at night for a combination of astrological reasons and practical considerations, such as the availability of time and energy after the day's work.