The Velvet Knot Journal
Wedding planning,
demystified.
Honest guides on cost, timelines, traditions, and what really happens behind a well-planned Indian wedding.
Nikah Ceremony: Meaning, Rituals and Steps
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 The Nikah is the Islamic marriage ceremony, understood as a solemn contract, or aqd, between a Muslim bride and groom. It is made valid by a proposal and acceptance, two witnesses, the bride’s consent and a Mahr, the mandatory gift the groom […]
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Jain Wedding Traditions: Rituals, Meaning and Customs
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 Jain wedding traditions weave a codified sequence of rites around Ahimsa and reverence for the Tirthankaras. From Vagdana betrothal to Granthi Bandhan, the sacred pheras, a strictly vegetarian sattvik feast and the closing temple offering, every custom carries deep meaning across Gujarati […]
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Odia Wedding Traditions: The Complete Guide to an Oriya Hindu Wedding
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 Odia wedding traditions blend Jagannath devotion with tender family ritual. From Nirbandha and Jayee Anukolo to Barajatri, Hatha Ganthi, Saptapadi and the eighth day Ashta Mangala, this guide explains every ceremony, the Sambalpuri silk bridal look, the feast, and why the bride’s […]
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Bihari Wedding Traditions: Maithil Rituals, Tilak and Kohbar Explained
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 Bihari and Maithil weddings run on a rich local grammar of ritual: the socially huge Tilak, the clay-fetching Matkor, the tamarind Imli Ghotai, the painted Kohbar Ghar of Mithila, the Paag turban, Sindoor Daan and a folk-song tradition unmatched on the Gangetic […]
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Malayali Wedding Traditions: The Kerala Hindu Wedding Explained
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 Malayali wedding traditions centre on a brief, elegant morning Muhurtham. The Nair Kalyanam is famously simple: the groom ties a leaf-shaped Thaali in seconds, elders are honoured, and the celebration ends in a Sadya feast served on a banana leaf. A Wedding […]
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Kannada Wedding Traditions: The Complete Karnataka Ceremony Guide
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 Kannada wedding traditions blend Karnataka’s warmth with ancient Vedic and Veerashaiva custom. From the Nischaya Tamboola engagement and the playful Kashi Yatra to the sacred Dhaare water pouring and Mangalya Dharane, each ritual carries deep meaning. Customs shift across Brahmin, Lingayat and […]
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Kodava (Coorgi) Wedding Traditions
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 Kodava (Coorgi) weddings from Kodagu, Karnataka are unlike any other Indian wedding: there is no Brahmin priest and no sacred fire. Respected elders officiate, ancestors are worshipped at the family hall, and the martial community feasts on pandi curry and kadambuttu. Who […]
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Konkani Wedding Traditions: The GSB Saraswat Ceremony Explained
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 Konkani Hindu weddings, rooted in the Goud Saraswat Brahmin community of Goa, coastal Karnataka and Kerala, weave together Sakhar Puda betrothal, Dev Karya ancestor worship, the Antarpat curtain, Saptapadi vows, mangalsutra tying and a fragrant vegetarian feast served on a plantain leaf. […]
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Assamese Wedding Traditions: The Biya Rituals Explained
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 Assamese wedding traditions, known as Biya, follow a warm multi-day sequence: Juron Diya gift-giving, Tel Diya and Nuoni ritual bath, Pani Tola sacred-water fetching, and the Biya homa fire. The Gamosa, Muga silk Mekhela Sador, Xorai and betel nut carry deep cultural […]
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Sindhi Wedding Traditions: Rituals, Customs and Ceremonies
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 Sindhi wedding traditions blend Hindu Vedic rites with distinct community customs. The sequence runs from Kachi and Pakki Misri engagements through Berana Satsang, Wanwas, Saagri and Lada songs to the wedding day Pallo tying, Kanya Daan, pheras and the parting Sar-e-Bandi, all […]
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