"Groom on decorated white horse during an Indian wedding Baraat procession, surrounded by family dancing in vibrant lehengas and sherwanis — ZIVAARA Studio"

Baraat: The Groom's Grand Procession & What to Wear

The Baraat is spectacle and celebration in equal measure. The groom arrives on horseback or in a decorated car, surrounded by family and friends dancing to dhol beats, and the energy is unlike anything else in the wedding calendar. It is joyful, loud, and unapologetically festive — and your outfit should match every bit of it.

Dressing for a Baraat means embracing colour, movement, and a little drama. Here is how to do it right.

The Groom's Side

For the groom's family and close friends, the Baraat is your moment to shine alongside him. Coordinated but not matching — think a shared colour story rather than identical outfits.

What works:

  • A bold lehenga choli in fuchsia, cobalt, or saffron — colours that photograph beautifully in daylight
  • A sharara set for those who want to dance freely without worrying about their silhouette
  • An anarkali suit — flared, festive, and effortless to move in

Fabric note: Georgette and chiffon move beautifully during the procession. Avoid heavy embroidery on the hem if you plan to dance — it can weigh you down.

The Bride's Side

Traditionally the bride's side waits to receive the Baraat, but that doesn't mean understated. You are part of the welcome — dress accordingly.

What works:

The Wedding Guest

As a guest at the Baraat, lean into the festivity. This is an outdoor, daytime event in most cases — so think breathable fabrics, practical footwear, and colours that pop in natural light.

What works:

  • Kurta sets — modern, comfortable, and perfect for dancing
  • A printed or embroidered anarkali suit — classic and always appropriate
  • Explore the Festive Edit for pieces curated specifically for celebratory occasions

Colours to consider: Marigold, coral, royal blue, emerald, hot pink — anything that feels alive under open sky.

Styling Notes

  • Jewellery: Keep it festive but secure — jhumkas and bangles over statement necklaces that might shift during dancing
  • Hair: Braids, buns, or half-up styles hold up best through the procession
  • Footwear: Juttis or block heels — avoid stilettos on uneven outdoor surfaces
  • Dupatta: Pin it or drape it securely — you will be moving

Shop the Baraat Edit

Dress for the dhol, the dancing, and the memory.

Explore Indian Wedding Traditions by Region

The Baraat looks different across India — a royal procession on horseback in Rajasthan, a joyful dhol-filled street dance in Punjab, a dignified Varat in Maharashtra. Explore our Regional Wedding Traditions series to discover the customs, rituals, and dress codes of Punjabi, Bengali, South Indian, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Maharashtrian, and Kashmiri weddings.

Further Reading

Planning what to wear to the full wedding weekend? These guides will help:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Baraat?

The Baraat is the groom's wedding procession, where he arrives at the wedding venue accompanied by family and friends dancing to dhol music. It is one of the most joyful and energetic moments of an Indian wedding.

Can you have a Baraat in the USA?

Yes — Baraats are increasingly common across the USA. Many venues accommodate processions, and dhol players and horse or carriage rentals are available in most major cities with large South Asian communities.

What should Baraat guests wear?

Baraat guests should wear festive, comfortable outfits they can dance in. Sharara sets, anarkalis, and lehengas work well for women. The procession can be energetic so choose footwear you can move in.

How long does a Baraat procession last?

A typical Baraat procession lasts 20–45 minutes depending on the distance from the starting point to the venue. The energy is high throughout with continuous music and dancing.

What music is played during a Baraat?

Dhol drums are the traditional centerpiece of a Baraat. Modern Baraats often add brass bands, Bollywood music, and even DJs to keep the energy high throughout the procession.

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