Band, baaja, baraat the desi way for foreigner couples

INDORE: Nothing could have been more special for these three foreigner couples to get hitched in traditional Hindu manner on the Christmas.
"Every year, Christmas will now be more special for me. We would celebrate the festival with our marriage anniversary," said Lucy as she prepared for her mehendi ceremony.
Speaking on Hindu wedding, Lucy said the idea of getting married in Hindu tradition was very random.They have been learning yoga and meditation in India and had come for a session to be addressed by their spiritual leader. "We came to India in November and since then we have been travelling. We attended a christening ceremony and were given Indian names. We were named 'Shiva and Parvati'," Lucy said.
Oliver, her groom, said they thought of getting married in Indian way after the ceremony. The couple, who hails from England, said they have been together for a decade but never thought of getting married. "But we realized it here that it is significant and the tradition and ceremonies are so beautiful and significant. It would mark a new chapter in our lives," Lucy said.
Another Mexican couple, Damian Ugalde and Maria Flandez story's is unique in its own way. Fascinated by Indian weddings and inspired by their friends - Lucy and Oliver -- the already married couple has decided to tie the knot yet again in Indian way. Damian said, "This is my second visit to India and I have been learning yoga for 16 years. Ours was a sudden decision."
"For me, it was a first trip to India. Indian weddings are colourful and traditions hold a lot of meaning. I am all excited to wear maroon sari and enjoy traditions like haldi and mehendi."
Dermot Greene from Ireland and Menchu Hernandez from Spain will also exchange marriage vows on Christmas. A group of friends from different countries have also joined them. The couple will have a traditional baraat, varmala and pheres.