Doli / Bidaai

The Doli or Bidaai is the emotional farewell ceremony marking the bride's departure from her family home to begin her life with her new family. It is one of the most poignant moments of any South Asian wedding — the bride throws rice over her shoulder as she leaves, symbolising prosperity she leaves behind for her family, and her family weeps openly.

In Hindu and Sikh traditions this is called the Bidaai; in Muslim weddings the equivalent farewell is the Rukhsati. The ceremony typically takes place at the end of the wedding day or the morning after, at the bride's family home. Guest numbers are small — close family only, 20 to 60 people — and the emotional intensity is high.

The Doli traditionally involves the bride departing in a decorated car or, in some communities, an actual palanquin (doli) carried by brothers or male cousins. Key vendors: photographer (this is a moment that needs sensitive, skilled documentary coverage), videographer, and wedding car with floral decoration.