Gujarati Wedding Traditions & Photo Moments Not to Miss
Weddings · 7 min read · By Kaushik Bathia · Updated 2026-08-10.
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Key takeaways
- Gujarati weddings are colourful, joyful and rich in ritual, spread across several events.
- Key moments include the pithi, the garba, the jaan, the hasta milap and the four mangal pheras.
- Each ritual has its own emotion and photo opportunity, so anticipation is everything.
- Knowing the order of events lets a photographer be in the right place throughout.
Gujarati weddings are among the most colourful and joyful of all Asian celebrations, full of music, ritual and family. From the turmeric of the pithi to the energy of the garba and the sacred four mangal pheras, each event offers its own photographic moment. Here is a guide to the traditions and the moments not to miss, from a studio that has photographed them for twenty-five years.
The pithi is the pre-wedding ceremony in which turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom by their families, to bless them and to brighten the skin before the wedding day.
The garba is the circular folk dance of Gujarat, performed around a central shrine or lamp, and usually the largest and liveliest pre-wedding event.
The jaan is the Gujarati term for the groom's wedding procession and the party that travels with him.
Hasta Milap means 'the meeting of hands', the moment the couple's hands are tied together with a scarf to join the two families.
For example, a garba the evening before the wedding is usually the largest single gathering of the whole celebration. It is often under-covered because families treat it as informal.
The pithi and pre-wedding events
Gujarati celebrations often begin with the pithi, where turmeric paste is lovingly applied to the bride and groom by family, amid laughter and mess. It is warm, candid and full of natural expression, one of the most enjoyable events to photograph. The mehndi and a lively garba or sangeet usually follow.
| Event | Timing |
|---|---|
| Pithi | 1–2 days before |
| Garba | Evening before |
| Jaan | Wedding morning |
| Hasta Milap | Midday |
| Vidaai | Late afternoon |
Sequences vary by family.
The garba: music and movement
The garba, a traditional folk dance performed in circles, is a highlight of many Gujarati weddings. Dancers in vibrant outfits, swirling movement and low evening light make it a wonderful but challenging event to photograph, rewarding a photographer who can capture energy and colour without freezing the joy out of it.
The jaan and the welcome
The jaan is the groom's arrival with his family and friends, the Gujarati counterpart to the baraat, met by the bride's family with a warm welcome ceremony. Like all processions, it is high-energy and unrepeatable. At larger weddings a second photographer ensures both the arrival and the bride's preparations are captured.
Hasta Milap and the mangal pheras
Under the mandap the ceremony unfolds. The hasta milap, the joining and tying together of the couple's hands and garments, symbolises their union. The heart of the ceremony is the mangal pheras, four circles around the sacred fire, each representing a key aspect of married life. We photograph these knowing exactly what comes next, so the once-only moments are never missed.
The vidaai: a moving farewell
As with other Hindu and Gujarati ceremonies, the day closes with the vidaai, the bride's emotional departure from her family. It is often the most moving sequence of all. It rewards a photographer who stays quiet and lets the emotion unfold rather than directing it.
Every Gujarati family keeps its traditions a little differently, and we photograph yours as you keep them. Tell us about your events and we will plan coverage around the moments that matter most.
Related: Asian wedding photography, Hindu wedding photography guide, our gallery, check your date.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Key rituals include the pithi (turmeric ceremony), garba (folk dance), the jaan (groom's arrival), the hasta milap (joining of hands), the four mangal pheras around the sacred fire, and the vidaai (farewell).
The garba is a traditional folk dance performed in circles, usually in the evening, with vibrant outfits and live music. It is one of the most joyful and colourful events to photograph.
It varies, but Gujarati weddings commonly span several events across multiple days, from the pithi and garba to the ceremony and reception.
For larger celebrations, yes. Events like the jaan and simultaneous preparations are best covered with a second photographer so nothing is missed.
Yes. We photograph Gujarati, Hindu, Sikh, Punjabi, Muslim and Tamil weddings, and are familiar with the rituals and timings of each.
Based in London
Editorial note: the figures and guidance on this page were last checked on 24 August 2026. The sources used are GOV.UK: marriages and civil partnerships. Written by Kaushik Bathia — more about the author, or contact the studio.
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