Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Fijian-Indian wedding Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Fiji
krasavitsa 08:28 UTC 26 Apr 2007 | I'm attending a Fijian-Indian wedding in Suva in July. Whilst I've seen a number of Indian weddings featured in (mostly) Bollywood movies (and yes I am aware that these may not be very good representations of "real" Indian weddings), I've never actually been to one - just what can I expect? I've been told the celebrations extend over a couple of days. Are there any cultural dos and don'ts I should be aware of? As a western female just what do I wear? I have a couple of sarees from when I was in India and a salwar kameez I could wear, but I don't want to turn up in these if everyone else is wearing western-style clothing! Any cultural insights would be appreciated. |
wadamse 17:12 UTC 26 Apr 2007 | I think you should pack your Indian clothing. On arrival you can enquire with your hosts what would be best to wear. Expect the women attending the wedding to wear sarees, etc. I haven't been to any Indian weddings, but a few Fijians ones. Just keep a low profile (but participate), ask people what is happening and what you should do. Have fun! Wouter | 1
api 16:26 UTC 29 Apr 2007 | Indian weddings can differ quite a bit so you do need to check with your host. As far as clothes go - at least in India )I don't know about Fiji), the important thing is to dress well. A sari might be a nice touch, but you may feel a little out of place if it isn't one of the (often) silk, smart ones that people tend to wear to such events. I am married to an Indian and have an Indian mother-in-law so I am QUITE aware of these things, but perhaps it isn't such a big deal if you don't have similar connections. Anyway, to a wedding in India I would wear a silk (or some sort of evening like material) salwar, a sari in similar fabric, or smart western clothes (when I don't feel like being nice to my mother-in law). In the state I live in weddings usually involve the couple sitting on some sort of stage while the religious proceedings take place. You will be asked to go up and throw a handful of rice over each of their heads (use the right hand). And then at some stage you will be offered food (and perhaps you go and have your photo taken with the couple) and then you leave... I imagine a Fijian one could be a bit more fun though. | 2