Haryana - Overview & History
Haryana is situated around the national capital—Delhi—touching Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Its joint capital, Chandigarh, is shared with Punjab. A cradle of the Indus Valley Civilization; Kurukshetra—site of the Mahabharata—is a key pilgrimage spot. Panipat (textiles), Faridabad (manufacturing), Ambala (defense & pharma). Contains 32 SEZs, part of industrial corridors like DMIC, and major transport arteries such as the Ambala–Narnaul Expressway (NH‑152D). Ongoing development at Rakhigarhi includes a rest house, hostel, and cafeteria—all part of a ₹20 cr investment to boost infrastructure. Haryana blends agricultural richness, industrial clout, historical depth, and cultural vitality. From grain fields to high-rises, ancient ruins to modern expressways, the state stands as a dynamic force in North India.Haryana Tourism
Major Attractions
- Heritage: Kurukshetra, Panipat (historic battlefield), Indus Valley site Rakhigarhi.
- Nature: Morni Hills, Tikkar Taal, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary.
- Cultural Events: Surajkund Mela and other fairs
Recent Tourism Initiatives
Ongoing development at Rakhigarhi includes a rest house, hostel, and cafeteria—all part of a ₹20 cr investment to boost infrastructure. The government has launched a home-stay scheme offering training for locals to host tourists at home
Pre‑Wedding Rituals
Sagai (Engagement)
The families formally agree upon the union. The groom receives a tilak and gifts are exchanged, often alongside a Ganesh puja blessingAnguthi Pehnana
The couple exchanges rings during the engagement, symbolizing commitment.Bhat Nutana & Ban Baithana (Ganesh Sthapana)
A month before the wedding, maternal uncles host and gifts are offered. A formal Ganesh puja marks the start of ritualsPithi/Haldi (Glow Ritual)
Turmeric mixed with ghee and barley is applied to the bride and groom—an Ayurvedic beauty and purification traditionBanori & Khichai
The couple’s first meal together is served at the priest’s home, then a feast follows at the groom’s houseRatijka & Mehndi
On the eve, families sing folk songs, perform the Khoria dance, and the bride gets mehndi designs on hands and feetSangeet
A musical night with folk dances like Jhumar, Loor, Ras Leela, and Khoria—bringing both families together in celebration
Wedding Day Processions & Rituals
Barat Nikasi (Groom’s Procession)
The groom rides in on a horse, sometimes with a sehra, and his party dances to the venueSeha & Toran
As the groom arrives, he “breaks” the toran (door garland) with a stick or sword, symbolizing his entryChawal Chadhana
Rice is offered to deities to invoke prosperityVarmala & Kanya Dan
Floral garlands are exchanged; the bride’s mother tests the groom’s physique, and the bride’s father offers their daughterHathlewa, Gajoa & Mangalasutra
A priest ties a coin (Hathlewa), garments of both are tied together (Gajoa), and the groom fastens the mangalasutra around the bride’s neckPhere (Seven Circles)
The couple circles the sacred fire seven times, solemnizing their vowsPost‑Wedding Rituals
Thapa Lagana & Vidai
The bride leaves her parental home, marking an emotional send-off and sets foot into her new home with hand-stamp ritualsGriha Pravesh & Muh Dikhai
Welcomed into her new home, the bride is blessed by in-laws and shown around her new householdKanwar Kaleva, Rangbari, Samthui & Dat
Celebratory feasts, showcasing bridal belongings, and exchange of gifts and utensils among familiesPag Phera
A visit back to her parental home within days, reaffirming family bonds.Pre-Wedding Locations in Haryana
Here’s a handpicked list of top pre-wedding shoot locations in Haryana, featuring scenic backdrops, heritage vibes, resorts, and nature-centric spots. Whether you're aiming for royal, rustic, romantic, or minimalist aesthetics—Haryana has some underrated gems:Top Pre-Wedding Shoot Locations in Haryana
1. Noor Mahal, Karnal
Style: Royal, HeritageWhy it’s great: Inspired by Mughal & Rajputana architecture—perfect for regal themes
Popular For: Grand corridors, domes, jharokhas, and terraces
Fees: ₹25,000–50,000 approx. (with stay/shoot booking)
2. The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa (Gurgaon/Sohna)
Style: Natural, Luxury ResortWhy it’s great: Villas, green lawns, water bodies, and spa backdrops
Popular For: Romantic, cozy, and candid couple shots
Fees: Paid packages (may include stay)
3. Heritage Village Resort & Spa, Manesar
Style: Rajasthani Haveli, VibrantWhy it’s great: Colorful architecture, fountains, courtyards
Popular For: Ethnic/traditional theme shoots
Fees: ₹15,000–30,000 (approx., with permissions)
4. Leisure Valley Park, Gurgaon
Style: Natural, GreeneryWhy it’s great: Lush gardens, fountains, walking trails
Best for: Daytime romantic and casual shoots
Fees: Mostly free/public with light camera setup
5. Tau Devi Lal Biodiversity Park (Gurgaon)
Style: Nature, RusticWhy it’s great: Open green areas, natural backdrops, peaceful vibe
Best for: Casual, candid, or picnic-style shoots
6. Damdama Lake (Sohna)
Style: Lakeside, NatureWhy it’s great: Boating scenes, greenery, sunset shots by the water
Tip: Best to shoot during golden hour for magical light
Fees: Nominal (entry/boat fees)
7. Surajkund Mela Grounds & Lake (Faridabad)
Style: Cultural, ArtisticWhy it’s great: Rural craft village, murals, heritage-style gates
Note: Best during non-mela days for peaceful shoots
8. Tivoli Resorts & Farms (Panipat/Gurgaon)
Style: Banquet resort, open lawn shootsWhy it’s great: Controlled environment with décor, gardens, pools
Fees: Varies with package
9. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary (Gurgaon)
Style: Nature, WildlifeWhy it’s great: Ideal for unique pre-wedding in the wild, with lush surroundings and birds
Best for: Adventurous or boho couples
Permit Needed: Yes
10. Private Studio Setups in Faridabad/Gurgaon
Popular Studios: Studio Future Forward, Picture Destination, The Perfect Location (on Delhi-Haryana border)Why it’s great: Variety of ready-made sets (Palace, Forest, Greece, Boho, Punjabi Village, etc.)
Fees: ₹15,000–40,000 per shoot/day depending on the set
Luxury Wedding Venues in Haryana
1. The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa (Sohna, Gurgaon)Ideal for destination weddings close to Delhi
Serene atmosphere with lawns, lakes, and villas
Capacity: 300–500 guests
2. ITC Grand Bharat (Manesar, Gurgaon)
Ultra-luxurious, perfect for regal wedding setups
Lush green golf course & grand architecture
Capacity: 100–300 guests
3. Noor Mahal Palace (Karnal)
Mughal-Rajput inspired architecture
Opulent interiors with banquet halls and lawns
Capacity: Up to 1,500 guests
4. The Oberoi, Gurgaon
Contemporary and chic venue for premium weddings
World-class hospitality and indoor banquet spaces
Capacity: 100–250 guests
5. The Banyan Retreat (Gurgaon)
Beautiful farmhouse setting ideal for open-air events
Capacity: 200–800 guests
6. Aravali Resort (Rewari)
Affordable nature-themed venue
Great for pre-wedding functions and weddings
Capacity: 200–600 guests
7. Golden Galaxy Hotels & Resorts (Faridabad)
Mid-range venue with multiple banquet halls and lawns
Capacity: 300–1000 guests
8. Heritage Village Resort & Spa (Manesar)
Rajasthani-Haveli inspired architecture
Great for Mehendi, Sangeet & Wedding under one roof
Capacity: 300–700 guests
9. Hotel Rajhans (Surajkund, Faridabad)
Scenic views of Aravallis & famous for hosting Surajkund Mela guests
Capacity: Up to 800 guests
10. Jewels Banquet & Resorts (Karnal)
Popular for North Indian royal-style weddings
Capacity: 500–1500 guests
11. Tivoli Grand (Panipat)
Lavish banquet spaces on a budget
Ideal for mid-scale weddings
Capacity: 200–700 guests
12. Red Bishop Banquet & Resort (Panchkula)
Government-run, cost-effective yet spacious
Capacity: 300–1000 guests
13. Unique Offbeat Venues
Karma Lakelands (Gurgaon): Golf resort with eco-luxury vibes
Amour Convention & Resorts (Ballabgarh): Big resort for grand weddings
Why Choose Haryana for Your Wedding?
✅ Well-connected location – Easy access from Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Rajasthan via metro, expressways, and wide roads.✅ Venue variety – From lavish banquet halls to serene farmhouses and premium hotels.
✅ All-inclusive wedding services – Top-tier planners, photographers, caterers, decorators, makeup artists.
✅ Budget to luxury range – You can plan weddings from ₹5 lakhs to ₹50+ lakhs, depending on your preferences.
✅Proximity to Delhi–NCR (just 25 km from central Delhi)
✅Wide range of budget-friendly to luxury venues
✅Open lawns & farmhouses in green belt areas (Surajkund, Pali)
✅Easy transportation for guests
✅Affordable compared to Delhi
Unique Cultural Elements
Khoria Dance: Women mimic wedding events in rhythmic folk dancesPhulkari/Bagh Odhni: Rich embroidered veils symbolizing artistry and heritage
Summary
A Haryanvi wedding is a colorful tapestry of rituals spanning days—from formal engagements and beautification rites to lively music-filled nights, solemn wedding vows, and affectionate goodbyes. It beautifully blends spiritual significance with folk traditions, music, dance, and social bonding.
Key Features of a Haryanvi Wedding
Traditional Vibes
Haryana weddings reflect strong rural roots, particularly in Jat, Ahir, Rajput, Bania, and Brahmin communities—each with slightly different customs but common values: simplicity, ritual purity, and family honor.Wedding Rituals Breakdown
Pre-Wedding
Sagai (Engagement) – Groom’s family visits the bride’s home; gifts, tilak, and sweets are exchanged.Bhat Nyotana – Bride’s maternal uncle is invited and plays a crucial role; symbolic offerings are made.
Mehndi & Ratijka – Folk songs, Khoria and Loor dances, and henna application for the bride.
Haldi (Pithi) – Turmeric paste applied on both bride and groom in their homes.
Wedding Day
Baraat – Groom arrives on horseback (or sometimes in cars), welcomed with aarti and folk dances.Toran & Sehra Rituals – Groom strikes a decorated toran over the bride’s door to remove evil energy.
Jaimala – Garland exchange under a decorative canopy.
Phere – 7 sacred rounds around the fire.
Kanyadaan & Mangal Sutra – Symbolic handover of the bride and sacred necklace ritual.
Post-Wedding
Vidai – Emotional farewell as the bride leaves her family home.Griha Pravesh – Bride enters the groom’s house by tipping a rice pot and leaving red handprints on the wall (Thapa).
Muh Dikhai – Bride is formally introduced to extended in-laws and receives blessings and gifts.
Pag Phera – Bride visits her parental home a few days after the wedding.
Music & Dance
Folk Music: Jhumar, Ragini, and wedding-specific bhajans are sung.Dance: Khoria, Loor, and Ghoomar-like dance forms with clapping and storytelling.
Wedding Venues in Haryana (Popular Cities)
City:
Gurugram – Luxury hotels, farmhouses, and destination-style weddings.Faridabad, Panipat, Karnal – Popular for large banquet halls and traditional celebrations.
Rural/Village:
Traditional open-air weddings in decorated “pandal” tents with local cooks (halwai), dhol, and strong community participation.Photography Trends
Pre-wedding shoots at rural havelis, mustard fields, or heritage spots like Pinjore Gardens or Kurukshetra.Many couples blend ethnic backdrops with modern cinematic themes.
✅ Final Word
A wedding in Haryana is more than a ceremony—it's a celebration of kinship, culture, and community. Whether held in a village courtyard or a grand Gurgaon venue, the essence lies in heartfelt traditions and joyful hospitality.
Top Wedding Photographers in Haryana
Here are some of the top wedding photographers in Haryana, based on ratings, reviews, and reputation—perfect for capturing your big day in style:1. Memento of Shades Photography
Memento of Shades Photography highly recommending for candid & wedding coverage in Haryana & Delhi NCR.
2. Sumita's Photography Candid wedding photographer Gurgaon and NCR
Sumita's Photography Candid wedding photographer well known for cinematic pre-wedding & wedding shoots.
3. The Candid House
The Candid House believe in delivering the best wedding photography & films which are crafted with love & care. The Candid House are known for delivering premium end results that last long. They take quality very seriously and have a heart for creativity and new ideas. They never settle for anything less when it comes to creativity. The Candid House have been professionally covering weddings for the last 7 years and enjoying every bit of it.
4. Studio Future Forward
Studio Future Forward well known for weddings, pre-weddings, and creative setups.
5. Classic Studio
Classic Studio is Top-rated studio in faridabad for wedding & pre-wedding.
6. Photosynthesis Photography Services
Photosynthesis Photography Services known for contemporary & candid wedding specialist.
7. Momentz Gallery
Momentz Gallery is highly rated for pre-wedding, candid and cinematography.
Detailed Wedding Photographers Profiles
Gurugram
Memento of Shades PhotographyRated a solid 5.0★, located in Sector 70A
Specializes in candid shots, wedding films, and multimedia coverage.
Sumita’s Photography
Scored 4.8–4.9★, based in South City II
Known for cinematic, theme-based shoots with professional direction.
Studio Future Forward Rating 4.9★, located near Gawal Phadi
Covers creative shoots: pre-wedding, weddings, fashion, even lifestyle events.
Faridabad
Classic StudioA top name with a 4.9★ rating
Offers wedding, pre-wedding, candid, and cinematography services.
Photosynthesis Photography Services
Highly rated (4.8★+) with expertise in modern, stylish coverage
Momentz Gallery (Tarun Bajaj)
Well-reviewed for full-service packages: pre-wedding, candid, traditional, and cinematic videography
Located at Sector 6 Dwarka—serves Faridabad and NCR areas.
How to Decide
| Criteria | Tips |
|---|---|
| Style | Cinematic? Candid? Traditional? Choose accordingly. |
| Budget | Cinematic packages usually range ₹1.5–3L for multi-day coverage |
| Location | Gurugram vs. Faridabad—pick based on venue convenience. |
| Portfolio | Always review full wedding albums (not just best shots) to check consistency. |
Next Steps
1. Gear up a shortlist:- For cinematic flair: Sumita’s Photography, Memento of Shades.
- For full-service, flexible options: Classic Studio, Photosynthesis, Momentz Gallery.
3. Ask about add-ons: albums, cinematic edits, drone coverage, pre/post wedding shoots.
4. Book early—their dates fill fast during wedding season!
Let me know if you'd like direct contact details, package comparisons, or help reaching out to any of these photographers!