Noorvir ⠀⠀⠀
⠀ Christine
Noorvir ⠀⠀⠀
⠀ Christine
January 9, 2026
Schedule
Friday, January 9, 2026
Mehendi
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
India
A traditional pre-wedding ceremony to prepare the bride and groom for the big day during which all the women get henna designs painted on their hands and the bride and groom get turmeric face-packs to make them glow! There are usually two separate ceremonies, one for the groom and one for the bride, with their own families. However, we're going to do one combined ceremony.
Sangeet
Fri, Jan 9, 2026, 7:00 pm - Sat, Jan 10, 2026, 12:30 am
Utorda, GA 403713, India
The musical evening - lots of singing and dancing! Traditionally, we sing and dance to folk songs and local hits, but we will have music from everywhere. Dresscode: Whatever you'd like to wear (see Q&A). Most people will wear festive indian clothes, men can wear tuxedos.
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Anand Karaj
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Aquem Baixo, GA 403729, India
The Sikh wedding ceremony! "Anand Karaj" translates to a "blissful task" or "blissful undertaking". The core of the ceremony involves the bride and groom walking around the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy text, while the four Laavan are sung. In spiritual terms, the Laavan are about the union of the human soul (atma) with universal soul (paramatma). In the context of the Sikh wedding, the four hymns of the Lavaan are interpreted as the four vows of a new partnership between two people. Dresscode: Modest Indian, festive-wear (see Q&A) or trousers/jeans with a long top for women, and formal-suit for men.
Lunch Reception
12:30 pm
Beach, Betalbatim, GA 403713, India
A bus will be arranged between the Gurdwara and the lunch location.
Travel
Flight
Getting to Goa
The closest airport is the Goa International Airport (GOI / Dabolim Airport), approximately 25 minutes from the venue. Another option is Manohar International Airport (GOX / Mopa Airport), located in North Goa (about 1.5 to 2 hours away).
Travel Note
Exploring India
India is a vast and diverse country that cannot be easily summarized. It spans multiple climates, languages, religions, and cultural practices, making each region distinct in its pace, infrastructure, and social norms. For many visitors from Western countries, India can feel both stimulating and challenging: systems may be unfamiliar, environments can be intense, and the contrast between modernity and tradition is often stark. At the same time, India offers unique experiences in food, architecture, spirituality, biodiversity, and human interaction. Whether you're visiting urban centers or rural areas, a flexible mindset and openness to unpredictability can go a long way in shaping a meaningful travel experience.
Travel Note
Goa / South Goa
A relaxed entry point to India – while still vibrant and a bit chaotic, Goa offers a softer landing compared to major metro cities. English is widely spoken, and the locals are used to international visitors. South Goa offers a quieter, more nature-focused experience compared to the busier North Goa. It’s characterized by low-key tourism, a slower pace of life, and a mix of coastal and inland landscapes. Points of interest and activities: Beaches – South Goa’s coastline features several clean, relatively undeveloped beaches. These are generally suited for quiet walks, swims, and rest. Yoga and Wellness – A number of small yoga centers offer classes, retreats, and basic treatments. Wildlife Sanctuaries – Places like Cotigao and Netravali provide access to forested areas, walking trails, and limited wildlife observation. These sanctuaries are typically visited via short excursions. Rural and Village Life – The interior of South Goa consists largely of villages with a mix of traditional Goan and Portuguese-influenced architecture. Agriculture, especially rice cultivation, is still visible in many areas. Cultural Exposure – While not a center for major historical monuments, South Goa gives a glimpse into everyday life, local religious practices, and regional cuisines.
Hotel
Nanu Beach Resort and Spa
Hotel
Beleza By The Beach
Hotel
Kenilworth Resort & Spa, Goa
Hotel
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa
Hotel
Nanus Beach Retreat
Hotel
Alila Diwa Goa
Q&A
Question
What will the weather be like?
Answer
In January, South Goa is warm and sunny: Low around 20 °C High around 32 °C It’s one of the nicest months to visit
Question
How do I get around when I’m in South Goa?
Answer
We will have transport arranged for the wedding events (details to follow closer to the dates). For getting around on other days: South Goa is not very walkable — distances between beaches, towns and venues can be long, and there aren’t many pavements. Taxis and app-based cabs (like Uber or Ola) aren’t as widely available as in other big cities. Instead, most people use local GoaMiles (the official taxi app), or arrange taxis through hotels and guesthouses. Scooter or motorbike rentals are extremely popular and inexpensive (around 400–600₹ per day), but we recommend them only if you’re an experienced driver — roads can be chaotic and traffic rules… flexible 😊 Auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks) exist, but not everywhere in South Goa.
Question
I want to hire private transport, can you recommend anyone?
Answer
Yes, we have a trusted local taxi driver who can do airport transfers and day trips. Please get in touch with Noorvir or Christine if you’d like to book.
Question
What should I wear?
Answer
For the ceremony at the temple/venue, please wear something Indian that is modest: not sleeveless, not short skirts/shorts, and covers your legs and shoulders. Additionally, you may need to cover your head with a scarf or shawl depending on the venue. For everything else, South Goa is very relaxed — light cotton clothes, sandals, summer dresses, linen shirts, shorts, swimwear for the beach. Evenings can be a little cooler, so bring a light wrap or jacket.
Question
I don’t have any Indian clothes, but I’d like to get some. What should I do?
Answer
If you arrive a day or two early, there are many shops in Goa (especially in Margao and Panjim) where you can buy kurtas, salwar kameez, or sarees. Prices are generally affordable (€20-50). If you’d like to buy before coming: try searching for “Indian festive wear” or “Punjabi clothes” online Keywords: Women: salwar kameez, kurta, kurti, lehenga, saree Men: kurta pajama Western suits are also fine for weddings.
Question
Will my credit/debit cards work in India?
Answer
Some foreign cards can be tricky due to recent regulations. Visa and Mastercard usually work at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but not everywhere. We recommend: Carrying some cash (₹) for taxis, markets, smaller cafes Using ATMs to withdraw (your bank may charge fees) Always having a backup card just in case
Question
What about eating food while I’m in India?
Answer
During the wedding days there will be plenty of food provided for guests. For other days: - Stick to restaurants/cafes that look clean and popular - Avoid uncooked street food or salads from unknown sources - Always drink bottled or filtered water - If spices are tough, order a side of yogurt or plain rice
Question
How safe is South Goa?
Answer
Goa is one of India’s most tourist-friendly and relaxed regions. Still, some advice: - Daytime is safe for exploring, including beaches and towns - Avoid walking alone on dark, isolated roads at night - Keep your valuables safe at the beach - Use trusted taxis or pre-arranged transport at night
Question
Where can I stay in South Goa?
Answer
There is a wide range: Guesthouses & homestays from around 1500₹ (20-30€) per night Boutique hotels & beach resorts around 3000–6000₹ (40–80€) per night Luxury resorts (Taj, ITC, Alila etc.) 10,000₹+ per night We can help recommend places depending on whether you want to be near the beach, the wedding venue, or quieter villages. Before you book something, please let us know so we can help advise!
Question
When is the RSVP deadline?
Answer
Please RSVP by September 20th if you’d like us to help arrange accommodation.
Question
What about presents?
Answer
Your presence is enough of a present for us! If you’d really like to give something, we’d love if you donated to a charity for children, refugees, health or nature conservation, for example: UNICEF (children) UNRWA (refugees) Doctors Without Borders (MSF) (healthcare in crisis zones) WWF / UNEP (nature & climate) The Ocean Cleanup (plastic-free oceans)
RSVP
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