We will celebrate our wedding and greet our guests for the first time as husband and wife by hosting a dinner and party. Dinner will be a rich North Indian feast with ample Bengali “Mishti” (sweets) for desert, served in the style of a traditional Pittsburgh “Cookie Table”. Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, and other customizations can be made at our guests’ request.

Location: Rajbari, Large Pavilion

Suggested Attire: Indian or Western formal

Note: Please inform us in your RSVP or via email of any dietary restrictions / preferences

(fair * ahs)

The word “Pheras” in Hindi means “Rounds.” Aaren and Sreemoyee will be married in a western-influenced Vedic ceremony which culminates with the couple walking together seven rounds of the ceremonial wedding pyre. Each round, or Phera, represents one vow the couple makes to each other including nourishment, strength, loyalty, love, health, and wisdom.

To mark their marriage, the groom places red “Shidoor” powder on his bride, and the couple exchanges flower garlands and their wedding bands.

Location: Rajbari, Courtyard

Suggested Attire: Indian or Western formal

We believe any trip to India would be incomplete without trying Indian street food - we also recognize that these tasty street-side treats may not suit every traveler’s digestive system. So, taking inspiration from Kolkata specialties like Phuchka and Momos, as well India-wide favorites like Samosa-Chaat, live counters prepared safely by the Rajbari kitchens will help all guests enjoy the dynamism of Kolkata’s culinary culture.

Location: Rajbari, Pool

Suggested Attire: Same as Gae Holud

(ga*eh hoe*lood)

On the morning of the wedding, friends and family will gather to apply fresh turmeric paste onto the faces and arms of the bride and groom. Turmeric signifies purity and sound health and is prized by Bengalis as a wonder spice. By applying turmeric paste to the couple and to each other, wedding guests share comic moments and cleanse their skin to “glow” for the upcoming wedding.

Location: Rajbari Poolside

Suggested Attire: Wearing a shade of yellow is traditional.

We will welcome our guests to the Rajbari with a traditional Bengali feast which will include a sampling of the region’s most famous and delicious dishes served on banana leaf over a terracotta “thali”. Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, and other customizations can be made at guests’ request and advance notice.

Location: Rajbari Pavilion Area

Suggested Attire: Same as Sangeet

Note: Please inform us in your RSVP or via email of any dietary restrictions / preferences

(sun * geet)

The word “Sangeet” in Hindi means “Music” - this event encourages wedding attendees to sing, dance, and have a party. Friends and family prepare performances to welcome each other and celebrate the upcoming wedding, sometimes engaging in cheeky competition via dance-offs. All are welcome and invited to play up their strengths and give a performance.

Location: Rajbari Pavilion Area & Stage

Suggested Attire: Colorful and Performance-Appropriate

(ah * sheer * bahd)

Ashirbaad in Bengali means “Blessings.” The Som and Barge family elders will bless the couple, signifying formal acceptance of the bride and the groom as new members of their families.

Location: Terrace by the Small Pond

Suggested Attire: Same as Mehendi

(meh * hen * dee)

Mehendi, also known as henna, is an ancient form of body art originating in India and South Asia where a paste made from Lawsonia inermis leaves is applied to the body in intricate designs creating a semi-permanent brown stain. Since mehendi signifies positive spirits and good luck, the bride will usually have elaborate henna applied on her hands, arms, and feet the day before her wedding. Tradition says the deeper the color of the bride's mehndi, the happier her marriage will be. Additionally, the customary practice of hiding the groom’s name within the intricate henna patterns is used to play a game - if the groom cannot find his name, it is said that the bride will be the “boss” in the relationship.

At this event, all guests will be offered the opportunity to sit with henna artists and experience the mehendi tradition, choosing a favorite design that expresses their personality!

Location: Rajbari Terrace by the Small Pond

Suggested attire: Western Cocktail, Indo-Western, or Indian in bright colors. Guests may prefer to wear clothing that reveals forearms and / or ankles to enable easy henna application.