Holy chants, soft 'shehnai' mark Vivek’s wedding day

Bangalore: Chanting of holy verses, soft shehnai music and fragrant incense greeted guests at the Alva farmhouse, where Bollywood star Vivek Oberoi will tie the knot with Priyanka Alva today.

The wedding day commenced with prayers to bless the couple, followed by a haldi ceremony. "The haldi ceremony began the with smearing of vermillion on Priyanka as it is considered to be auspicious," said one of the guests. Last night the couple`s close friends and relatives danced away into the night to the tunes of Vivek`s latest film `Rakth Charitra` and other foot-tapping Bollywood numbers. Adding to the jubilant mood, the couple and their parents danced to the music, joined by family members and friends. Close friend and reputed drummer Shivamani belted out some pulsating music last night. There was an elaborate spread of comprising of Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines. Today,the day-long rituals, including the `chura ceremony` (wearing of red and white ivory bangles by the bride) and `sehra bandhi` (tying of the groom`s turban), is expected to pick up momentum with Vivek arriving with the baraat (wedding procession) in keeping with the traditional North Indian wedding traditions. The rituals are expected to culminate with the jaymala (exchange of garlands) and saat pheras (seven rounds of the holy fire), late into the night. The 34-year-old bridegroom is expected to wear a traditional maroon costume adorned with royal imagery during the baraat ceremony. Vivek would sport a traditional sword, specially picked up by Priyanka and a sheath embellished with embroidery and stones. Priyanka, a 28-year old management graduate from London, is expected to wear a specially designed lehenga (skirt) with 14 different colours on the panels and peacock motifs. The apparel has been specially designed to let the bride show off her exquisitely henna-designed hands. The wedding feast later this night will include flavours from the North, coastal specialities, a blend of international cuisine and an array of sweet dishes, including traditional milk-based desserts and colourful sweetmeats. The wedding would cement ties between the family of Priyanka, daughter of former state minister late Jeevraj Alva and the Oberois, who have been family friends for years. Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa is expected to attend the wedding. "There will not be too many Bollywood celebrities today but we expect most of them to turn up for the reception to be held in Mumbai on October 31," sources said. PTI