The short answer
- The baraat is the groom's wedding procession to the venue, with his family and friends dancing ahead of him to a band or dhol.
- The classic entry is on a decorated mare. Other ideas include a vintage car, an open jeep, a horse carriage, or walking under a canopy of flowers held by the family.
- Baraats are famous for running late. Work backwards from the muhurat and set a departure time that leaves room for the welcome, the varmala and dinner.
- A short route is a better baraat. Start close to the venue, or on the property itself if the groom's family is staying there.
- Ask the venue early about music timing and fireworks. Outdoor amplified music is generally restricted at night in India, and many venues limit fireworks.
- The bride's family welcomes the baraat at the gate with aarti, tilak and, in many families, the milni between the elders of both sides.
The baraat is the groom's wedding procession to the venue. The best baraat entry ideas are the classic decorated mare, a vintage car or open jeep, a horse carriage, or walking under a canopy of flowers, with a dhol or brass band leading the way and a flower shower at the gate.
The entry is the fun part. The part that decides whether the evening goes well is the plan: when the baraat leaves, how far it travels, how loud it can be and for how long, and how the bride's family receives it. A baraat that leaves an hour late pushes back the varmala, dinner and, sometimes, the muhurat itself.
This guide covers both: the entry ideas, the songs and the welcome, and then the timing, route and safety plan that keep the baraat on time.
What is a baraat?
The baraat is the procession in which the groom travels to the bride's wedding venue with his family and friends, the baraatis. Before it leaves, the groom is dressed and his sehra, the veil of flowers or pearls, is tied in the sehra bandi. In many families his sister-in-law or sister feeds the mare and the groom mounts it in the ghodi chadhna.
The procession then sets off, with the baraatis dancing ahead of the groom to a band or dhol. At the venue, the bride's family receives the baraat at the gate, and the wedding rituals begin.
What are the best baraat entry ideas for the groom?
The mare is traditional, but it is not the only option. Choose the entry that suits the groom and the route.
| Entry | Suits | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Decorated mare (ghodi) | A traditional baraat | Book an experienced handler, and keep fireworks away from the animal |
| Vintage car | A royal look on a longer route | Check the car can reach and turn at the venue gate |
| Open jeep | A groom who wants to dance with his friends | Drive at walking pace with the procession |
| Horse carriage (baggi) | A grand, slow arrival | Needs a wide gate and space to turn |
| On foot under a flower canopy | A short route, or a baraat on the venue property | Four family members hold the canopy over the groom |
| Dancing entry | A groom who loves to dance | Rehearse the song and the steps with his friends |
Which songs are played at a baraat?
The band or DJ plays dance songs for the procession and something grander for the arrival at the gate. These are favourites that bands across North India know by heart.
| Moment | Song ideas |
|---|---|
| Setting off | Aaj Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai (Aadmi Sadak Ka), Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai (Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai) |
| Dancing on the way | Lo Chali Main (Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!), Ainvayi Ainvayi (Band Baaja Baaraat), Morni Banke (Badhaai Ho) |
| Arriving at the gate | Baharon Phool Barsao (Suraj) |
| Throughout | Dhol beats, which need no playlist at all |
How should the bride's family welcome the baraat?
The welcome at the gate, called swagat, milni or dwar puja depending on the family, is the bride's family's moment. These are the elements most families include, and the ideas that make it memorable.
- Aarti and tilak for the groom, usually by the bride's mother.
- The milni, in which the elders of both families embrace and exchange garlands or gifts, pair by pair.
- A flower shower over the groom as he reaches the gate.
- Shehnai or a live band playing as the baraat arrives.
- The ribbon ritual: the bride's sisters block the entrance with a ribbon and ask for a gift before the groom may enter.
- Cold drinks and water ready for the baraatis, who have been dancing for an hour.
What time should the baraat start?
Work backwards from the muhurat. The wedding rituals at the mandap need to begin on time, and before them come the welcome at the gate, the varmala and, in most families, dinner. Allow time for each, then add a margin, because every baraat runs late.
| Step | Allow for |
|---|---|
| The procession itself | However long the route takes at dancing pace, usually longer than you expect |
| Welcome at the gate | Aarti, tilak, milni and the ribbon ritual |
| Varmala | The garland exchange and photographs on the stage |
| Dinner | For the baraatis, if they eat before the pheras |
| Margin | For the dancing that will not stop when you ask it to |
Give the baraatis a departure time earlier than the real one. Everyone else does, and it works.
How long should the baraat route be?
Shorter is better. A long route through city traffic tires the baraatis, delays the evening and can need permission from the local police for a procession on a public road. Your band or event manager will know what applies on your route.
Many families now start the baraat a short distance from the venue rather than from home. If the groom's family is staying at the wedding venue, the baraat can be a procession on the property itself, from the rooms to the gate, which keeps it off the road and on time. Ask the venue which route it allows.
Can you have fireworks and loud music at a baraat?
Ask the venue before you book either. Under India's noise rules, loudspeakers generally cannot be used in the open between 10 pm and 6 am, so an evening baraat with a DJ should reach the gate well before then. Many venues limit or ban fireworks, and local rules on firecrackers change from season to season.
Cold pyro fountains and a flower shower give the entry its drama without the risk. Whatever you choose, keep fireworks well away from the mare, the children and anyone in a dupatta or sherwani.
What is on a baraat checklist?
Settle these a week before the wedding, and give a copy to whoever is managing the groom's side on the day.
- The departure time, the route and where the baraat ends.
- The band or dhol, the songs, and the time the music must stop.
- The mare and handler, or the car, jeep or carriage, and when they arrive.
- The sehra, safas for the baraatis, and someone to tie them.
- Water, and a first-aid kit carried with the procession.
- Parking for the baraatis' cars at the venue.
- The welcome plan, agreed with the bride's family.
A baraat at The Heritage Resort
The Heritage Resort in Misrod, Bhopal, has an entry gate made for the arrival of a baraat, with the marriage garden beyond it for the varmala and the pheras. There is managed parking on the property for 200+ cars, so the baraatis arrive without a search for space, and guest rooms where the groom's family can stay and get ready on the day.
When you enquire, tell us the date, the muhurat and the size of the baraat, and ask about the route, the music timing and fireworks. Send the details on WhatsApp, or call +91 82697 88505.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a baraat?
- The groom's wedding procession to the venue, with his family and friends, the baraatis, dancing ahead of him to a band or dhol. The bride's family receives the baraat at the gate before the wedding rituals begin.
- What are good baraat entry ideas for the groom?
- A decorated mare, a vintage car, an open jeep, a horse carriage, walking under a canopy of flowers held by the family, or a rehearsed dancing entry with his friends, finished with a flower shower at the gate.
- What does the groom ride in a baraat?
- Traditionally a decorated mare, in the ritual called ghodi chadhna. Many grooms now arrive in a vintage car, an open jeep or a horse carriage instead.
- What time should the baraat leave?
- Work backwards from the muhurat, allowing for the procession, the welcome at the gate, the varmala and dinner, and then add a margin, because baraats almost always run late.
- How is the baraat welcomed?
- The bride's family receives the groom at the gate with aarti and tilak, the elders of both families meet in the milni, and in many families the bride's sisters block the entrance with a ribbon until the groom gives them a gift.
- What is milni in a wedding?
- The ritual in which the elders of the two families embrace and exchange garlands or gifts, pair by pair, when the baraat arrives at the venue.
- Which songs are played in a baraat?
- Popular choices include Aaj Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai, Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai, Lo Chali Main, Ainvayi Ainvayi and Morni Banke for the procession, and Baharon Phool Barsao for the arrival at the gate.
- Can we have fireworks at the baraat?
- Ask the venue first. Many venues limit or ban fireworks, and local rules change by season. Cold pyro and a flower shower are safer alternatives, and fireworks should always be kept away from the mare and children.
- Until what time can the baraat play music?
- Under India's noise rules, loudspeakers generally cannot be used in the open between 10 pm and 6 am. Plan an evening baraat to reach the gate well before then, and confirm the venue's own timing.
- Can the baraat be held inside the venue?
- At a venue with grounds and rooms, yes. If the groom's family stays at the venue, the baraat can be a procession on the property from the rooms to the gate. Ask The Heritage Resort about the route on +91 82697 88505.
