Indian bridal attire and adornment vary greatly, Indian bridal attire and adornment vary greatly, by ethnicity and region in India, and, then again, within the Houston area; nevertheless, all the weddings share certain elements.  The shringar or rites of adornment begin a few days before the wedding. The veiling shown here is the final step that marks the moment of a woman’s readiness for the wedding ritual.

With the artful application of henna, known as mehendi, the transformation of a young woman into a bride is initiated.

Distinctive attire, however, like the white Konkani sash shown here, can signal membership in a particular community.