Excursion World cruise collection: prelude to an indian wedding tour at Bombay

Experience a pre-wedding Indian Mehendi ceremony during this immersive, half-day sightseeing tour with lunch.

Mumbai, Local Home Visit, Mehendi Pre-Wedding Ceremony

Depart the pier for the short drive to a local residence in Mumbai. Upon arrival, enjoy a unique opportunity to experience a Mehendi ceremony, a pre-wedding function especially arranged at a local residence. Participants are encouraged to dress in Indian attire, as they take their parts as wedding guests. Indian weddings lay much emphasis on rituals and customs - a pre-wedding Mehendi ceremony reflects the same. Considered one of the Solah Shringar (sixteen adornments of the bride), usage of Mehendi (henna) goes beyond cosmetic purposes. Due to its cooling properties, scientifically it is supposed to calm the bride's nerves when applied to her hands and feet.

Mehendi History and Tradition

Essentially organized by the bride's and groom's families separately, a Mehendi ceremony was formerly a private affair which took place in the presence of friends, relatives, and family members. With changing times, however, it is now celebrated together by both families on a larger scale with great pomp and show, depending on individual choice. Being one of the more exciting pre-wedding ceremonies, no wedding today is imagined without it. According to the ritual, the bride does not step out of the house after this ceremony until the wedding itself; hence, it is generally held a day prior to it.

Henna Artists, Bangle Stall, Food, Colourful Costumes, Live Folk Music & Dancing, Indian Jewellery

It is important to note that an Indian wedding is no small matter; preparations go on for months, and the wedding itself for days. During the seasons deemed auspicious, there are wedding processions nightly and specially erected tented venues everywhere. This is a tradition no visitor to India should miss. Enjoy this recreated festivity with henna artists, a bangle stall, food, live folk music and dance! Continuing with the theme, Indian jewellery is also available for viewing and sale. At the conclusion of this unforgettable Mehendi experience, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Mumbai, Local Home Visit, Mehendi Ceremony, Henna Artists, Bangle Stall, Food, Colourful Costumes, Live Folk Music & Dancing, Indian Jewellery

Note

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 22 yards (about 20 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 10 steps at the venue; a lift is available. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear festive Indian attire or lightweight, comfortable, cotton clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, bottled water, and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 25 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Infrastructure in India may be basic, and local conditions may be challenging; coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique, less-touristic destinations. Photography is not prohibited, but guests should respect the sentiments and privacy of the host. The tour sequence may vary.