Indian Baraat in California, San Francisco

Nothing shuts down Main Street during an Indian wedding quite like the boisterous, colorful, music-filled baraat. When you envision your dream wedding, Indian baraat images are sure to come to mind as the lively procession of your groom making his way to the wedding venue truly sets the tone for the entire day. Laughter, dancing, cheering, and excitement... the baraat is the ultimate way to kick off wedding festivities in California, San Francisco.

Traditionally, a baraat features the bridegroom riding down the street to the wedding venue on a white horse, a Ghodi, adorned with flowering creations and bejeweled embellishments. He sits on an intricately embroidered saddle and carries a ceremonial sword at his side while a young male relative like a nephew or cousin rides with him sitting up front on the horse. Depending on the South Asian tradition of the family, the groom wears a turban or headdress with a ceremonial veil of beads or flowers that cover his eyes while his close male relatives walking alongside him wear turbans.

The customary wedding attire of the groom has largely remained the same over the years, however, the baraat itself has evolved into even more of an extravagant party with many grooms opting to ride on elephants or roll up in gleaming carriages or even lavish white luxury cars.

The spirited soundtrack of a baraat is formed by the singing of accompanying groomsmen, or baraatis, as well as a band, or in more modern events, a DJ who drives alongside the groom blasting foot-stomping bhranga beats like those from Red Baraat or hit Bollywood films. A traditional Indian wedding band will play lots of South Asian instruments, including a dohl of course, and baraatis, family members, and friends will all sing and dance along.

An Indian wedding baraat can require the use of multiple vendors including bands, DJ’s, florists, animal handlers, horse and carriage companies, event planners, you name it! Here at Maharani Weddings, we know finding all the right people to pull off the perfect baraat off can be difficult. That’s why we have created a list of our favorite baraat vendors for you, all handpicked for their excellent work and experience in putting on these types of events. Check them out below and uncover more baraat inspiration in our Maharani Weddings ‘Platinum Guide!