01 & 02 DEC · 7 AM IST
A LITTLE SUNSHINE. EVERYWHERE.
పసుపు
Turmeric, cold water, and a great deal of laughing at whoever is sitting down.
A little moreTHE TRADITION
Before the silk and the solemn promises comes the turmeric. A paste is gently rubbed onto the bride and groom by family, a blessing for the days ahead. “Gently” tends to become a matter of interpretation once the cousins take over.
It is the oldest and least dignified function of the week, and the one every good photograph comes from. Nobody has ever escaped clean.
ONE HALDI EACH
Two mornings, the same turmeric: Srikar’s on Tuesday the 1st, Nethra’s on Wednesday the 2nd. Tell us whose side you are on and we will show you that one.
Nethra’s sideవధువు వైపు
WHEN
Wednesday, 2026
7 AM IST
WHERE
Shamshabad, near the airport
Hyderabad, India
GOOD TO KNOW
Wear something you are prepared to lose. Turmeric does not come out, and Nethra’s cousins have been rehearsing; they are not known for restraint. Bring a change of clothes. There will be somewhere to rinse off before lunch, and the Engagement is that evening.
WEAR ANY OF THESE
Srikar’s sideవరుడి వైపు
WHEN
Tuesday, 2026
7 AM IST
WHERE
Hyderabad, India
VENUE TO FOLLOWGOOD TO KNOW
Wear something you are prepared to lose. Turmeric does not come out, and the people holding it know that. Srikar has been warned. He has not, on the whole, listened. Bring a change of clothes. There will be somewhere to rinse off before lunch, and the Mehendi follows that afternoon.
THERE’S MORE TO THE WEEK