HALAD CHADHAVANE :

A day prior to the wedding day, the haldi powder pounded earlier on the muhurt day is made into a paste. The bride / groom is made to sit on a pat (wooden board) and arti (औक्षण) is done first. Then a Suhasini takes one mango leave in each hand, dips the leaves in haldi paste and applies it to the groom / bride’s body – starting from the feet, then on knees, shoulders and forehead. Five Suhasinis repeat the act. Often Ushti Halad (left over haldi paste after applying to the groom) is taken to the bride’s side and applied to the bride. The bride / groom are given a nice massage of haldi paste. The aspiring couple is not supposed to move out of home after this.

After the bath, the Maternal Aunt (Maami) of the bride puts on Green Bangles (हिरवा चुडा) to the bride’s hands. Usually, nine bangles are worn on right hand and seven on the left. Oti Bharane of the Maami is done by the bride’s mother.