Wedding Events
We have had a lot of questions about each event and what it involves. We found some formal explanations that we included below. Guests have also asked about appropriate attire for the events for which we made suggestions.
All venues are located in downtown Omaha, close to the hotels and airport. Please see the transportation page for more information.
Friday, April 24, 2009 | 7:00 pm
Garba Raas
Paxton Ballroom
1403 Farnam Street
Omaha, Nebraska
*Dinner at 7:00 pm
*Dancing at 8:00 pm
"Raas and Garba are traditional Gujarati dances usually performed during Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival, and during auspicious occasions such as weddings. The evening begins with Garba, a dance performed in a large circle. Using sweeping, graceful motions, the dancers move around the circle and clap in rhythm to celebrate the upcoming wedding. The dance is accompanied by a live vocalist. The energy picks up later in the evening with Raas, also known as Dandiya Raas. This dance incorporates dandiyas, or wooden sticks. Like the Garba, Raas is performed in a large circle. Dancers pair up, forming a large line, and strike their partner’s dandiyas during the 5 or 12 step routine."
This evening is more casual than the wedding and reception. It is more traditional but still very laidback. Please don't be worried about not knowing how to do the dances described above - we barely know as well! You can pick it up while watching, join the dancing and then step out when you want. It is all very casual.
For Non-Indian attire:
Ladies - I would suggest a casual dress, skirt or even pants.
Men - I would suggest shirt and tie (business casual).
Saturday, April 25, 2009 | 10:30 am
Wedding Ceremony
Holland Performing Arts Center
13th and Douglas Streets
Omaha, Nebraska
*Baraat at 10:30 am
*Ceremony at 11:15 am
*Lunch immediately after
"Baraat is Hindi for a marriage procession. In north Indian communities it is customary for the groom to travel to the bride's house on a horse, accompanied by his family members. This often becomes a huge procession, with 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."
Please plan to join the baraat just outside of the Holland Center on the east side of the building. The procession will start on the northeast corner and travel south through the covered parking/drive. Typically the groom's side participates in the actual procession and dancing while the bride's side awaits their arrival outside the door. However anyone should feel free to join the dancing, especially if you have never seen a baraat before now. You don't want to miss Gaurav riding in on the horse! The baraat will lead into the building to begin the wedding ceremony immediately.
"The Vedic wedding ceremony is performed according to the rituals of the 4000-year-old religious texts called The Vedas. The ceremony is performed in Sanskrit (with English translations) and each step has a symbolic, philosophical and spiritual meaning. The Lagna (marriage) is a collection of traditional rituals performed by a Maharaj (priest). It is performed before Agni (sacred fire), the eternal witness of the marriage before which all vows are taken."
Lunch will be served immediately following the ceremony.
For Non-Indian attire:
Ladies - I would suggest a nice dress. Though it is a morning wedding it is still a semi-formal event, especially in setting of indian clothing.
Men - A suit would be appropriate (semi-formal).
Saturday, April 25, 2009 | 6:00 pm
Wedding Reception
Joslyn Art Museum
2200 Dodge Street
Omaha, Nebraska
*Cocktail reception at 6:00 pm
*Dinner and dancing at 7:30 pm
This one is self-explanatory. Please enter for the cocktail reception via the outdoor main grand stairway. If you do need an elevator, then enter through the atrium doors just to the north of the stairs. Come hungry and ready to dance!
During the cocktail reception, the museum galleries are open for viewing.
For Non-Indian attire:
Ladies - Semi-formal to formal. I would suggest a cocktail type dress or floor length gown.
Men - A suit would be appropriate (semi-formal). If you have a tuxedo and want to wear it - go ahead!
