Haldī — the turmeric ceremony
A day or two before the wedding, family members apply a paste of turmeric, sandal and oil to the bride and groom in their own homes. Turmeric is auspicious and cleansing, and is said to give a glow before the big day.
It is a joyful, playful rite full of songs and laughter. In Gujarat it is called pīṭhī; in the South a similar nalugu or nalangu is done.