Traditional Palanquin Bridal Wedding Ceremony Entrance

Vineeta's brothers, cousins and uncles carried the bride to the mandap in a traditional palanquin. In the olden days of Indian culture, a palanquin (sometimes called a doli) was used to carry a bride to the groom's residence. It's a traditional way of welcoming the bride to her new groom in an elaborate way. "After they gently set me down in front the mandap, I went to Lord Ganesha's shrine to seek blessings," she says. "I was then escorted to the stage by my mom and dad to my loving groom, Neil. It was very emotional."