The Haldi ceremony, or Halad Chadavane in Marathi, is a vibrant pre-wedding ritual in Maharashtra, where turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom. It symbolizes purity, prosperity, and good luck for the couple's future. The ceremony is a joyous gathering of family and friends, often featuring music, dance, and playful smearing of the haldi paste.

Wedding Day Rituals: Ganpati Puja: Worshiping Lord Ganesha for a prosperous future. Devdevak: Inviting the family deity (kuldevta) to bless the couple. Gaurihar Puja: The bride worships Goddess Parvati for a successful life. Antarpat: A curtain hides the groom from the bride until the ceremony progresses. Saptapadi: The couple takes seven circles around the fire, symbolizing vows. Karmasamapti: The couple prays to Goddess Laxmi until the fire is extinguished. Groom's blessings: The groom ties the mangalsutra (holy necklace) around the bride's neck and puts Sindoor (vermillion) on her forehead. Varaat and Bidai: The bride leaves for her husband's home in a procession (Varaat), and the groom carries the Parvati idol from the Gaurihar Puja. Grihapravesh Aarti: The bride is welcomed at the groom's home with Aarti and gently kicks a kalash of rice for good luck. Reception: A grand party for family and friends.