Haldi Function

Haldi rasam, tel-baan or manjha is a pre-wedding ceremony performed a day or two before the wedding. Family members and friends playfully slather the bride and groom in a paste of turmeric, oil, and milk. In some customs, sandalwood, rose water, and gram flour are also mixed in the paste. The atmosphere is fun, lively, and filled with camaraderie.

It is believed that haldi rasam is done in order to prevent evil spirits from harming the to-be-wed couple. As a result, the bride and groom are typically not allowed to leave their home after the haldi ceremony until their wedding mahurat.