A Sangeet or Garba is a pre-wedding event that primarily revolves around dinner and coordinated dancing. There isn't a religious aspect to this function, it's just a party! We will have friends and family performances, and some traditional folks dances you can learn on the fly, like Garba and Dandiya Raas. Bold colors, bright jewelry and ease of movement should guide your outfit planning. 

Traditional Indian Fashions are welcome and encouraged! We've assembled some tips in the Indian Wedding Guide, if this will be your first Sangeet, but if you're more comfortable in Western-wear then colorful cocktail to semi-formal attire is the best parallel. 

If you take advantage of the room block at Loews, getting to the Sangeet will primarily consist of an elevator ride. There are also plenty of places to stay nearby, including the secondary room block at the Aloft hotel, easily within walking distance. 

Dinner will be served buffet-style and there will be an open bar at this event.

For Sneh's baraat, the groom's side will gather at a designated location to parade through the streets of Philadelphia while Sneh is on a horse. For obvious reasons, if you're not related to Fiona you should feel free to consider yourself "groom's side" for this event- we wouldn't want you to miss out!

We will transition immediately from the Baraat to the Hindu ceremony. You'll want to ensure you're comfortable in your attire both out of doors and in a hotel ballroom. Traditional Indian attire or cocktail Western-wear are appropriate.

The starting point of the baraat will be within easy walking distance of the Loews hotel.

Our ceremony will last around 60 minutes, but the audience experience is more casual than many Western wedding experiences. The pandit (or priest) will explain the ceremony as he goes for our English-speaking attendees, but it is mostly conducted in Sanskrit. 

Traditional Indian Fashions are welcome and encouraged! If you're more comfortable in Western-wear then colorful cocktail to formal attire is the best parallel. Those attending the baraat should consider the weather!

This event will be in the Loews Hotel, in the same space the Sangeet was held in the night before.

We'd love to see you bring your best! Consider the dress code black tie encouraged. Bartram's Garden is a historic, natural venue with views of downtown across the Schuylkill River, and a tented hardwood pavilion for dinner and dancing. Cocktail hour will consist of some grassy areas and gravel paths, so please choose your shoes accordingly.

We will be arranging some form of transit from Loews Hotel to the reception. Please note all provided transportation will leave from Loews, which is about a 5 minute walk from the Aloft.

Expect appetizers at cocktail hour, a plated dinner and an open bar at this event.