Hi India

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Legacy redefined

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Beyond tradition...

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Honeymoon travels

Big Fat Indian Wedding We love to live life king size and that reflects in our weddings, whether it’s a three-day affair or a seven-day extravaganza. When Indians plan their weddings they go all the way, says Shilpa Raina...

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hanks to Indians’ love for exuberance, pomp and during extravagance weddings, the billions worth Indian wedding industry continues to flourish notwithstanding the global economic crisis. “The wedding industry is recession proof!” declared Divya Gurwara, founder of Bridal Asia, an annual wedding exhibition held in India.

“I believe this is the only industry that has not been affected by recession because a wedding is a onetime affair and no one wants to compromise on the quality. Hence people don’t mind spending.”

Even though no reliable figures are available about the size of the Indian wedding industry, various estimates place it at Rs. 500-600 billion ($10-12 billion), with an annual growth of 25 percent. Weddings have always been an elaborate affair for Indians, but with the advent of wedding planners it has become much more lavish and stylish. The planners now arrange theme-based, customized weddings, often inspired by Bollywood.

The $60 million wedding of steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal’s daughter in a five-star hotel in Paris set the best example of the “big fat Indian wedding”. It also featured in the Forbes list of ‘Billionaire Weddings’ in 2004. USbased 34-year-old hotelier Vikram Chatwal, scion of multi continen-

The $60‑million wedding of steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittalʼs daughter in Paris set the best example of the big fat Indian wedding and also got featured in the Forbes list of ʻBillionaire Weddingsʼ in 2004 tal hotel-and-restaurant chain, Hampshire Hotels in Manhattan, set another example when he tied the knot with Priya Sachdeva in 2006. Chatwal’s wedding celebrations lasted a week, with 10 parties spread out over three Indian cities and attended by over a thousand guests. Delhi-based Mohan, who had planned Chatwal’s wedding, said: “It was the biggest wedding that I ever conducted.”

Though Indian weddings are an elaborate affair anyway, NorthIndian weddings are extravagant.

“People spend because they have to prove a point that the wedding hosted by them was better than others and for this, they don’t mind spending at all. This trait is more visible in North India where people like to show off,” Lalita Raghav pointed out.

Wedding planner Mohan agrees with her and added: “Well yes, the

weddings of North Indians are definitely a large affair because of their lifestyle. They like to live life king size and that reflects in their weddings as well.”

The wedding season is at its peak from November to March every year and thanks to Bollywood stars, the bridal wear market flourishes unabated.

“Earlier people used to go to select shops or markets that were famous for bridal wear. Later people wanted to wear what their favorite actor or actress wore in a movie,” designer Ritu Kumar, who specializes in couture wear said.

It is just the beginning. Today, a middle-class wedding comes to about Rs. 5 million ($107,850) minus the jewellery. People have the money and they are splurging.

There will be more weddings like Chatwals soon, all we have to do is wait and watch.

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Bridal Couture

Legacy redefined From design to color, fabric to work, there has been fascinating transformation in the warp and weft of Indian bridal couture as brides today embrace the waves of change, says L. Jyotimala

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hink Indian bridal wear and the defining image is that of a heavily embroidered red or maroon sari or lahenga.

But, not anymore! There has been a subtle yet decisive transformation in the warp and weft of bridal couture. Brides are embracing the waves of change.

No longer do brides stick to the traditional attire — for they now often adopt radical chic. The all-time favorite red is now nearly passé while gold, silver, cream, peach, fuchsia, orange, emerald green, candyfloss pink and Naples yellow have become the defining colors. Driving this change are designers who are experimenting with a variety of designs like crochet work, patch work, bead work, digital prints, sequins, lace and mirror work. Not too long ago, traditional silk was the most preferred fabric for bridal wear.

But now, materials like chanderi silk, brocades, georgette tweeds, crepes, satins and French chiffon are becoming in-style.

Blouses have become sexy and stylish with beautiful designs, embroideries, aari work, and silver or gold bead works. And, if you don’t mind flaunting a bit, there are lots of sexy blouses like bikini blouses, and halter-neck blouses for sangeet and cocktail parties.

A recent bridal wear event ‘Bridal Asia’ in Delhi showcased some of the leading trends for would-be brides and grooms. Launched in 1999, Bridal Asia is one of India’s biggest annual wedding fashion extravaganzas. Enveloped by the fantasia, Hi India gives you a sneak preview of what is hot and contemporary this season.

Color, precious stones and stunning accessories — these were the stuff that dreams were made of!

Every design, be it apparel, jewelry, bag or accessory, was unique.

Among Indian designers who showcased their collections were Ritu Beri, Rina Dhaka, Falguni &

Shane Peacock, Gourav Gupta and Reynu Taandon. Apart from the Indian designers, the event also had Pakistani designers Honey Waqar and Jannat Shahid. Their were jewelry collections from well-known names like Dolly Oberoi, Payal Gupta and Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons. Apart from the bridal wears and jewelries, Bridal Asia also had well-known accessory designers and wedding decor stylist. The event showcased designs f r o m Malini Agarwalla of Malaga Crimzon Accessories by Sonali Dalwani and Baruch – well known for accessories and bags.

Tradition & Modernity Prices are generally high but people don’t hesitate to let money speak.

There are the ‘budget items’ too, which are relatively cheaper, but no less spunkier or stylish.

“The price for my saris starts from Rs. 36,000 ($700) and goes up to Rs. 1.5 lakh ($3,000) whereas price ranges from Rs. 90,000 ($1,800) to Rs. 2.5 lakh ($5,000) for my lahenga collections. But people don’t really mind spending big for the D-day of their life,” fashion designer Reynu Taandon told Hi India.

The speciality of her work this season is the ‘Gota’, named as ‘Wedlock’. Gota work is done using woven gold and silver cloth on some other fabrics. She uses lots of traditional Rajasthani handicraft as well.

Her collection varies from lehengas, drape sarees and Anarkali suits to heavily embroidered salwar suits.

“In most weddings, Indian brides are all decked up in bright clothes.

But I have used different colors like

orange, red, cream, fuchsia and maroon for the perfect color combination, which would give the bride an elegant look,” the designer told Hi India. “I work entirely on adding elegance to the bridal wear but without sacrificing its traditional value,” she added.

Beads, sequins & threads Golden beads, sequins, thread work, and artwork are in.

Taandon’s collection tends to center around fabrics like chanderi silk, brocades, georgette and French chiffon were used.

One of her ‘budget buys’ was an emerald green sari, studded with beautiful beads.

Taandon’s Sherwanis for grooms are contemporary. From fabric to the design, every yard reflects the warp of elegance.

Chikankari, embroidery & paisley It’s a leading trend today. Wellknown designer Rina Dhaka, who also showcased her collections at Bridal Asia, uses a lot of chikankari, embroiderie anglais, crochet work, patch work, paisley, digital prints, sequin embroideries, lace and mirror work. And all draped in red, green and golden.

Tradition isn’t far behind. Gaurav Gupta, for example, specializes in blending Indian tradition with a touch of the contemporary, redefining Indian bridal couture.

Peacocks, flowers and lotuses form his leitmotif. Chunnis neatly attached to blouses and tube blouses inside the sari are some of his hot numbers.

Indian bridal wear never had such abundance. Blending tradition and modernity, the designs, fabrics and colors hold a mirror to a world of amazing fantasia.

Groom Watch The apparels come in beautiful designs and colors for the very special day. If you are go for western style ̶ a full‑sleeved shirt, a tie, a coat and matching trousers would look perfect. Accessories like cufflinks, chains, rings or bracelets can add charm to the outfit. For Indian style, most of the grooms opt for sherwanis. Nowadays, the color of the sherwani is not anymore confined to the traditional off‑white. Other colors like red, blue, black and even pink is in. The new trends marry ethnic and contemporary styles. The designs are graceful and elegant. In kurtas, one can opt for calf‑lengths as well, which can be nicely complemented with jodhpuri pants or tight‑fit churidar, jutties, choga and an embroidered stole.

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Bridal Couture Flaunt it!

Amethyst sari with beautiful 驶Gota始 work teamed with a cyan bikini blouse

Go for dhoti A cream sherwani and red dhoti, nicely complemented with a matching stole and jootis

Play with color A Lahenga in a perfect color combination of red, green black with 驶Gota and Zardosi始 works

The couture

Revolution

Bridal and bridegroom couture have undergone a revolution in many ways. Today, it is a perfect blend of the ethnic, the traditional, the elegant and the contemporary...

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Bridal Couture Jewelry

Beyond tradition...

Jewelry takes on a newer dimension in bridal attire as elegance and style replace traditionally chunky designs, says L. Jyotimala

ejeweled is of the essence. More so in Indian weddings, where more is often less. Traditional Indian bridal jewelry comprises bangles, rings, nose rings, Maangtika, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and anklets. Gold has always been a bridal favorite. But now, brides want a change: sophistication, elegance and chic is in when a girl goes to choose her designs.

Stone and other materials are replacing the traditionally favored chunky creations in the yellow metal. Platinum, white gold and even silver are increasingly the preferred metals of choice. On the other hand, colored gemstones, pearls and precious as well as semiprecious stones are also widely used to create the perfect design.

However, diamond — the jewel of it all — continues to fascinate and beguile the bride.

Designer jewelry is the vogue as was proved at the recent Bridal Asia event in New Delhi. A variety of jewelry collections from some of the

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best Indian designers stole the show.

Dolly Oberoi, a top Indian designer, chooses to blend tradition and modernity. Her recent collection consists of designs, such as the Ranihar — a concept that is slowly dying. Among her designs, one that caught the attention of almost everyone browsing her display was one of her latest creations — a traditional Ranihar.

A 38-inch-long necklace, it is set beautifully on 18-carat gold, with colorful stones like saffire, emerald and topaz. The theme of her latest collection is ‘dance like a peacock’.

“In this collection, I am trying to revive the tradition and I have used stones like kundan, emerald and diamonds for the season’s bridal collection,” Oberoi said.

In keeping with the trends, is the classy, elegant and affordable. In her latest collections, ‘Jahanara’, meaning ‘Queen of the World’, Payal Gupta uses South Sea pearls and has them handcrafted. All in all, elegance is the key.

The jewelry collection from Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons is an absolute masterpiece. Different shapes and cuts of diamonds are

used in the collection, giving a classy look to the designs. They basically use lots of Round, Emerald, Pear, Heart, Oval, Baguettes, Princess, Carre and other fancy cut Diamonds diamonds as well.

So, there is a near-radical change in traditional bridal jewelry. The chic and savvy is in as bridal jewelry takes on a zany shimmer.

The spark in you

A glimpse of ‘what’s in’ this wedding season...

Silver magic Gold‑plated pure silver baju bandh (arm bracelet)

Elegant Gold A gold bracelet embossed with rubilite and polki by designer Alpana Gujral Classic Pair A pair of diamond earrings encrusted with emerald settings

Platinum, white gold and even silver are increasingly the preferred metals of choice this season.

On the other hand, colored gemstones, pearls, and precious as well as semi‑ precious stones are also widely used

Ultimate beauty This necklace is composed of 32 emeralds, 264 rose‑cut diamonds and 864 brilliant‑cut diamonds

Imperial!

Ring created in Victorian inspired, old Russian style design, with diamonds and saphires

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Cuisine

Khana Khazana From exotic to authentic, from regional to international, wedding banquets have turned spectacular, says Nandini Banerjee

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oday’s urban Indian weddings are a picture of national and international integration. In earlier times, brides and bridegrooms would be of the same caste, perhaps the same geographic state, and most assuredly the same religion.

Modernization of tradition, a range of socioeconomic factors, and a burgeoning and prosperous middle class have changed this. And nowhere are these changes more evident than in the wedding feast.

From exotic to authentic, from regional to international, wedding banquets are truly spectacular.

Indian weddings are known for the sumptuous platter. In India, the wedding day banquet is hosted by the bride’s parents. Typically, the menu, though largely reflecting the host’s choice, does take into account recommendations made by the groom’s family as well.

North: In a North Indian wedding, a lavish spread is the order of the day. For starters, guests are treated to finger foods and other snacks along

with soft drinks, coffee, soups, juices or mocktails. This goes on till the pheras when the wedding ceremony is over. Thereafter, the main course is served, followed by the desserts.

Apart from the usual Dal Makhani, Shahi Paneer, Pulao, Mixed Veg and Chicken, the feast might include other North Indian dishes as well.

West: In a typical Maharashtrian wedding, food is served on freshly washed banana leaves. While eating, guests are seated on chatais (straw mats) or wooden planks. The meal is usually vegetarian. Onion and garlic are off limits. Desserts typically include basundi, jalebi or shrikhand while the drinks surely include Mattha (buttermilk). The meal ends with a paan. As for a Gujarati wedding, you will find the snacks and drinks followed by the main course, comprising Rotli (bread), daal or kadhi, rice and sabzi/shaak, apart from other dishes.

East: In a Bengali wedding, the main feast which follows the snack, finger food and drinks, typically comprises Potol Posto (veg), Muri Ghonto (non-veg), Macher Kaalia

Impress your guests by serving one of these stylish cocktails. Champagne is a great classic, although other alcoholic options could include Pimms, whiskey, mulled wine and bucks fizz. Water should always be available as a nonalcoholic option, as well as something a little more exciting such as a fresh fruit juice or cordial. If you’re looking for a real show-stopper, however, a cocktail is a must — whether you opt for a classic champagne cocktail or something a little more contemporary. You might even decide to have a cocktail that coordinates with your color scheme. And, if you’re a serious cocktail fan, splash out on a mobile cocktail bar for your evening party.

(fish), Begun and Bhaja (veg), apart from Roshogulla (Sweets) and Mishti Doi (sweet curd). On the other hand, in a Bihari wedding feast, the starters and the main course are largely defined by an array of sweets.

South: In South India, weddings are usually held in the morning. The emphasis is largely on the main course, usually a traditional fare comprising rice, vegetables, sambar, curd-based vegetarian delicacies, a variety of pickles, pappadoms, ghee and buttermilk. Non-vegetarian food is discouraged though Christian weddings cannot do without a range of ‘meaty’ delicacies. The food is served on plantain leaves. The dessert is usually payasam.

North East: The feast in a northeastern wedding will have non-vegetarian dishes in finger foods, snacks and the main course. Fish is important, especially in the wedding platters served in Tripura and Assam.

Rice and rice-based dishes occupy pride of place in the main menu.

Desserts are also largely made out of rice.

TO THE HAPPY COUPLE Something blue 2 oz Hpnotiq 2 oz white wine 1 oz ginger ale Method: Build the ingredients in a Champagne flute

Bellini 1 part peach juice 2 parts cham‑ pagne/sparkling wine Method: Combine ingredients in a champagne flute

Indian Wedding Sample Menu

Salads Spicy tofu scramble with bell pepper and tomato Lemon grass marinated chicken salad Lightly curried Bombay potatoes Aloo ̶ Anaar chat, Chana chat Tomato and green asparagus salad Chicken chat Cucumber salad, vegetables raita Prawn tandori salad with pineapple Selection of garden greens with choice of dressing Soup & snacks Palak malai shorba Assorted vegetable pakoras Vegetables samosa Main Course Chicken makhanwala Lamb karai, jheenga masala Fish tandori Ghost biryani, paneer makhani Mushroom dum biryani Dal bhokhara, Channa masala Vegetables Jalpharezi, steam rice Indian naan, roti and paratha Live station Stir fried prawn with vegetables and spicy curry sauce Desserts Gulab Jamun, rasmalai, phirni keshar Malai kheer, umm ali, jalebi Fresh cut fruit, cream caramel Pista barfi Beverages Fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea

Kir Royale Champagne 10 ml Creme de Cassis Method: Pour the Cassis or raspberry liqueur into the bottom of a champagne glass and fill with champagne

Elegant Wedding Punch 1/2 cup Cham‑ bord raspberry 1 cup Triple Sec 1 cup Brandy 2 cups pineapple juice 1 liter of ginger ale 2 bottles dry champagne Method: Combine all ingredients in a bowl of ice

Sealed with a Kiss 2 oz chocolate liqueur such as Godiva or Crème de Cacao 1.5 oz vodka Hersheyʼs Kiss Method: Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice, shake well, and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Put a Hersheyʼs Kiss in the bottom for the added touch of love

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Accessories Go swim!

This flower bikini is bound to raise the temperature and send your husband on a roll...

The first night...

Want to really spice up your wedding night? Buy a few select pieces of lingerie that will drive your husband wild. No matter what his fantasies — and no matter what your body shape and size — you can find some great options in every size and style. Sexy lingerie can really make your honeymoon sizzle, so if your budget allows, consider getting a different surprise for every night!

Sinful desires!

The black lace slip with its matching thong will bring molten desires to the fore

Wedding bouquet This dreamy peach pink bra‑panty set with its chiffon short cape is perfect for the blushing bride

Black & White Unleash the animal within you in this tiger print bra‑panty set with its matching velvet cape

Fetish...

Coveted TAG Heuerʼs SLR is of superior technology and exclusivity

WRISTWATCHES have become enormously popular in recent years and a growing number of men are matching women’s obsession for shoes, with a wristwatch fetish.

A few are even proud owners of collections that contain watches to suit every occasion and a shirt color...

Holy Grail!

The coveted Platinum Opus V Harry Winston and Felix Baum‑ gartner, ʻOpus Vʼ

Automatic Chronomaster open grande date movement el primero bracelet

A class apart!

The Savarona Maxi Marine Chronometer is conceived to give a special sense of individ‑ uality to any outfit

Pack your bags...

Vanity case • Comb and/or brush • His and her deodorant (travel size) • Toothpaste (travel size) • Floss • Mouthwash (travel size) • Lip balm and/or lip gloss • His and her shaving kits • Shampoo (travel size) • Conditioner (travel size) • Hair styling products (travel size if possible) • Blow dryer, straightening iron, and/or curling iron • Makeup bag containing all necessary makeup items • Makeup remover • Facial cleanser and lotion • Body lotion • Hair ties, head bands, and/or

clips • Tweezers • Cotton balls • Nail file and clippers • Contact solution

Fly home in something comfortable.)

• Bras (strapless and other) • 12 pairs of underwear • 4-6 pairs of socks • 1 pair of sandals or flip-flops • 1 pair of tennis shoes or sneakers •1 pair of dressy shoes • 1 evening purse • Lingerie • Inexpensive jewelry to dress up the outfits

Her clothing • 2 or 3 bathing suits • 1 swimsuit cover up • 5 shirts (tank tops, t-shirts, short-sleeve shirts) • 2 pairs of shorts • 1 skirt (Pick one out that goes with a couple different tops that are packed.)

• 1 pair of jeans • 1 light jacket • 1 nice cardigan to wear over a dress at night • 1 little black dress • 1 sundress • 1 pair of sweatpants (It can get cold in some hotel rooms and on airplanes.

His clothing • 2 swimsuits • 1 pair of jeans • 1 pair of nice slacks •1 light jacket • 1 sweatshirt • 6 t-shirts • 2 polo or button down short sleeve shirts • 1 oxford shirt • 1 sports jacket • 1 tie • 1 pair of dress shoes for a nice dinner at a fancy restaurant • 1 pair of sandals • 1 pair of tennis shoes or sneakers • 1 ball cap • 12 pairs of boxers or briefs • 4-6 pairs of socks

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Best of India

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icture a honeymoon trip for newlyweds and then try to figure out what matters most on these trips. True — it is romance and love, passion and eroticism, a sense of belonging and lust that take on the mood during an ideal honeymoon trip. A honeymoon in India is akin to being thrown under a spell — one that will transform those special moments into a cache of special memories. Indian honeymoon destinations offer unique settings for couples. It is the serenity combined with some surreal beauty that will heighten your experience. The fragrance of wild flowers or the cool and fresh sea breeze work as an aphrodisiac as you explore the beauty of the place and the seclusion in the comfort of your luxury suites or the solitary alcove in the garden.

India is a land of sensuality. The

Khajuraho shrines with their erotic sculptures in various sexual poses and lovemaking scenes are an ode to some of the most primeval and ennobling notions of life itself.

The love tribute of Emperor Shah Jehan to his wife Mumtaz Mahal — Taj Mahal — is universally regarded as the ultimate Temple of Love by couples who are passionately in love with each other. Local folklore says that only those who have true love in their hearts can see the real beauty of this white marble wonder!

Presenting a wide variety amidst its tourist attractions, right from the beach state of Goa to the beautiful hill station of Kashmir to the backwaters of verdant Kerala, the country witnesses a heavy rush of honeymooners every year from abroad.

The hospitality of Indian people, who believe in ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (a guest is like god) only serves to add to the rush.

Honeymoon

travels KHAJURAHO

Khajuraho is an architectural marvel. A complex of 85 temples, it is believed to have been constructed by the Chandela kings between 950 and 1050 A.D. Of the original 85 temples, however, only 22 survive today. These temples present the zenith in Hindu temple architecture of India. Enjoy your honeymoon in Khajuraho with a temple tour of the Western Group, which depict the most sensual art forms on their walls. Also visit Panna National Park, Raneh Fall, Ken Nature Trail, Ken Garial Sanctuary, Banisagar Lake and Ranguan Lake, among others.

AGRA The land of the Taj Mahal requires no introduction. Other monuments include the Agra Fort, Akbar's Tomb at Sikandra, Itmad‑ud‑Daulah's Tomb and Chini‑Ka‑ Rauza.

GOA Goa is known as the Beach Capital of India and will make your honeymoon an irres‑ ristably seductive experience. Goa has long sun drenched beaches and fabulous old churches and convents.

KERALA Kerala is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations of India, which attracts not only Indians but also foreigners. Kerala is also referred to as 'God's Own Country' because of its lush green coconut groves, fair weather of the picturesque hill stations, sandy beaches, romantic cruises on the backwaters, Ayurvedic massages and water sports. Local art and craft, regional dances and specialized Ayurvedic treatments will convert you. There is so much to explore, admire and absorb in Kerala that you wish your trip to Kerala would never end.

DARJEELING Darjeeling is indeed one of the most beautiful valleys in the world and is an ideal location for newly‑weds who want to spend some quality time together. The green and cool environment coupled with some cool breeze and splendid views would definitely make you the happiest couple together in the lap of nature.

KASHMIR Known as 'Paradise in India', Kashmir is the perfect place to set out on the journey called marriage. The backdrop of the Himalayas and the great lakes make for the perfect setting for a great honeymoon.

SHIMLA Called the ʻQueen of Hill Stationsʼ, Shimla has an old‑world colonial charm with places, such as Christ Church, Mock Library, Gaiety Theater, Town Hall and General Post Office. Also visit the Rashtrapati Niwas earlier known as the Viceregal Lodge and Himachal State Museum. For the sacred‑hearted, there are lots of temples in Shim‑ la such as Jakhoo Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple and Taradevi Temple. Adventure sports like hiking, leisure walks, mountain climbing, river rafting, skiing and trekking, is very popular in this hill‑station.