A New Series:
Did you know we do more than just couple shoots?
Here at SHURU, we're pretty big on doing everything in the best way we can. What better way, than to showcase the most colorful event that comes to mind? Haldi, translated as turmeric in Hindi, is one of the most common ingredients infused within the sub South-Asian region. It’s in every brown family’s pantry & is the foundation of the naming of this event for a very good reason. Turmeric is that yellow super-power ingredient that has been used for centuries as an anti- inflammatory, anti-septic and pretty much anti-everything harmful to mankind. Therefore, in true South-Asian fashion, it makes complete sense to smear this in a super-power concoction (turmeric, rose-water & sandalwood oil) all over the groom & bride-to be to cleanse them all over their skin for their future wedded life together. Sometimes you have to get dirty, to get clean. Comprehende?
So that brings us to Sahil’s Haldi.
It was a bright sunny day, perhaps a very positive indication of the madness that was about to follow. The brief was clear, Sahil was planning to do his haldi ceremony at home with close friends and family invited & have us document the entire process. As we walked in, we were blown away with the details, as no expense had been spared in adorning the house with beautiful decorations to complement this auspicious day. Check out what we mean:
At this point people started to show up, drinks were flowing, babies were crawling, & people were mingling. Meanwhile, his family was preparing for the upcoming deliberations & Sahil took his place on his throne, an ornate pulpit, almost fatefully awaiting his supposed death by execution. The man of the hour seemed as cool as a cucumber, but secretly, I couldn’t help but wonder if he was tense wondering what was going to happen next.
Let the festivities begin..
And just like that, the ceremony had begun! The music was blaring, the women were dancing and singing as they advanced closer and closer with their tray of turmeric. Everyone was locked in, with only one intent – to smear the man with as much haldi as they could get their hands on.
The first application on Sahil’s face was a gentle stroke on his cheeks (perhaps in an excited trepidation. The women went first, with each person progressively taking a larger and more comfortable amount to apply on his body. As everyone started getting more comfortable, it was a no-holds barrred match. Any and every white spot was to be covered. at the expense of Sahil. This man was not leaving his pulpit without being completely smeared and looking like a ripe ol' banana.
Who let the dogs out?...
And then came the men’s turn. If anything, they were out for blood. Using every fibre of their beings, they sought to end this man’s existence. Poor Sahil. I guess.
From a photographer's perspective, there’s really only one thing to do. We get CLOSER! They say if you're not close to risking it all for the shot, you're not close enough. Capturing these chaotic moments were so well-worth it, check out these shots..
It didn’t end there. Once turmeric has been applied, it must be washed off. It’s a perfect opportunity to get that action shot of the groom getting drenched in his now very yellow attire. He has now been purified. In a flurry of hands, fast water and shrill war-cries, every ounce of turmeric was peeled from his body. There were no survivors that day.
Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai..
(The Party has started now)
With a myriad of dancing, incredible food, the festivities continued throughout the night. Bring out the tabla and let's bust a tune! The aunties dance and sing in harmony, whilst everyone dances together. There was a little mehndi station, where traditionally the women would get intricate henna designs drawn on their hands – but even the men get around it now. Our soon-to be groom, looking nice and refreshed, took this opportunity to join in and also get some portraits while he was at it.
What a rollercoaster of emotions! On behalf of SHURU, we’d like to thank Sahil once again for having such a fun-filled incredible haldi ceremony. The vibes were immaculate & it was such a pleasure being able to spend our Sunday shooting your special ceremony. Congratulations on getting married too, may your marriage be as yellow as a ripe banana and fun forever and ever.
So what did we learn today?
- Don’t wear white shoes to a Haldi. Turmeric stains. And it’s hard to get it out. Really.
- Go into the chaos! The best shots that you capture are right in the thick of it..
- Haldi's always have great food. Don't forget to grab a plate. Or two.
Catch you at the next one ;)