A Vibrant Symphony of Love: Nikita and Kush’s Colourful Indian Wedding at Wild Geese Lodge, Zimbabwe
Under the vast African sky, amid the rolling hills of Zimbabwe, Nikita and Kush embarked on a kaleidoscopic journey of love, celebrating their union with a vibrant Indian wedding that painted the landscape with bright pops of colour. The Wild Geese Lodge, a picturesque venue, played host to a joyous celebration that blended Indian traditions with the natural beauty of Zimbabwe.
The festivities commenced with a traditional Mehendi ceremony, where intricate henna designs adorned Nikita’s hands, telling a story of love, joy, and the promise of a colorful future. The air was filled with laughter and the sweet scent of blossoms as friends and family joined in the celebration, their vibrant attire mirroring the spirit of the occasion.
The main event unfolded beneath a flower-laden mandap, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the lodge’s sprawling gardens. Nikita, resplendent in a traditional red and gold lehenga, radiated joy as she made her way towards Kush. The groom, handsome in his sherwani, awaited his bride under an arch adorned with marigolds and jasmine.
In case you missed Day 1 of this Epic Indian Wedding, check out our post here! We continued the fun on the next day in a different location. Our Day 2 of Nikita & Kush’s summer wedding was more of the traditional, colourful Indian wedding that we’re used to seeing. It was a beautiful experience for us with the several cultural ceremonies that took place from the Ganesha Puja to the Aashirwad, and made us wonder why more weddings don’t have guests dancing as a performance for the bride and groom!
GETTING READY FOR AN INDIAN WEDDING
Indian wedding days start earrrrrly. I’m pretty sure Nikita was still in bed when Judith knocked on her door and rightfully so after the party the night before! The getting ready portion of this morning was probably the most stressful part of the whole wedding weekend making sure all the traditions were set in place.
Indian brides are generally decked out from head to toe in layers and layers of gold jewellery. Nikita was a gorgeous bride decked out in red and gold.
WHAT IS A BARAAT?
A COLOURFUL PARADE OUTSIDE IN THE SUMMER FOR INDIAN WEDDINGS
The Baraat marks the beginning of the wedding ceremony and is full of music and dancing to indicate a
celebration is about to begin! 🎉🎉🎉
Traditionally, the groom will ride in on a white horse, but modern weddings, like in this case, often substitute fancy cars! Sometimes there will even be elephants! (PS, hire us if you get an elephant)
Family and friends lead the way to the wedding all while dancing and cheering. A DJ and/or Dhol (drum) players bring lots of energy and sometimes this procession can go on for hours depending on the enthusiasm of the crowd.
When the group reaches the venue, the bride’s family will meet the groom and his family by lighting an arthi (lamp) and applying a tikka to the groom’s forehead before escorting him to the mandap (altar).
I think the Baraat was easily our favourite part of Nikita & Kush’s wedding day(s), because when else do you get to party down the street blaring Indian music? For us, it isn’t that often 😜This was SUCH an energetic way to start the day, and even in the summer, it was still our favourite part of this colourful Indian wedding.
COLOURFUL INDIAN WEDDING CEREMONY AT WILD GEESE IN SUMMER
The traditional wedding ceremony (one of many events) takes place under a canopy known as a Mandap with intricate pillars ornately decorated with fabrics and florals. Indian weddings may be long (2+ hours), but they are steeped with tradition and meaning.
In the middle of the Mandap is the sacred fire so that the priest and couple can provide religious offerings to the flames throughout the ceremony.
The most significant part of the wedding ceremony according to Nikita is the Saptapdi (Seven Steps). Kush & Nikita take seven steps (or laps around the fire) to signify the start of their new life together. Each step represents a vow to each other.
At the end of the ceremony, the priest, parents, elders, and all other guests present have a show parade of photos and well wishes on the stage to wish them good fortune in their new life together.
INDIAN WEDDING RECEPTION AT WILD GEESE LODGE, HARARE, ZIMBABWE
After the ceremony, everyone takes a break for a few hours (what!?) before returning to party at the reception. Everyone gets a chance to rest and redone-up for the next big celebration! Again, the reception is full of performances by family and friends as well as lots of dancing. For this portion of the night, Nikita donned this gorgeous blue hues dress and Kush was looking very dapper in his outfit.
The reception area transformed into a riot of color, with tables adorned in bright linens, lush floral centerpieces, and sparkling gold accents. The couple opted for a fusion menu that delighted guests with the flavors of both Indian and Zimbabwean cuisine, creating a culinary symphony that mirrored the diversity of their love.
As the evening progressed, the dance floor came alive with energetic beats and rhythmic moves, showcasing the fusion of Bollywood tunes and traditional African music. Friends and family, dressed in a myriad of colors, joined the couple in a celebration that transcended borders and cultures.
The night sky above Wild Geese Lodge lit up with fireworks, a dazzling display that mirrored the explosive joy of Nikita and Kush’s union. The couple’s departure, surrounded by well-wishers waving brightly colored streamers, marked the beginning of their vibrant journey together.
Nikita and Kush’s colorful Indian wedding at Wild Geese Lodge in Zimbabwe was more than a celebration; it was a harmonious blend of cultures, a testament to the universal language of love. As the echoes of laughter and the vivid memories of the celebration lingered in the air, the couple set forth into the next chapter of their lives—a chapter painted with the beautiful brushstrokes of a love story that knows no boundaries.
