Baraat (Hindi: बरात) (Urdu: برات) is a groom’s wedding procession in North India, West India and Pakistan. In North Indian communities, it is customary for the bridegroom to travel to the wedding venue (often the bride’s house) on a mare, accompanied by his family members.
The baraat can become a large procession, with booking its own band, dancers, and budget. The groom and his horse are covered in finery and do not usually take part in the dancing and singing; that is left to the “baraatis” or people accompanying the procession. The groom usually carries a sword. The term baraati is also more generically used to describe any invitee from the groom’s side. Traditionally, baraatis are attended to as guests of the bride’s family.
Lagan Geet, Cocktail hour & reception at Royal Albert Palace, NJ on May 6, 2018
Wedding Garba, Grah Shanti, and Mehndi in Rockleigh, NJ from May 26-28, 2016
Wedding Mehndi, Garba, and Lagan Geet in Hauppauge, NY from Aug 7-9, 2016