Unity in Diversity: A Magical UAE-Kerala Wedding Celebration

India is a land of diverse cultures, languages and traditions. Similarly, the UAE brings together people from around the world. When these two cultures unite through a UAE Kerala matrimony wedding in the UAE, it creates a truly magical blend of diversity and harmony.

Bringing Families Together

My cousin Reema, born and raised in Kerala, met her husband-to-be Rashid, an Emirati national, while they were both studying at a university in Dubai. Despite coming from different backgrounds, they found common ground in their shared values and interests.

As their love story progressed, Reema and Rashid focused on bringing their families together in harmony. Their Indian and Emirati parents bonded over shared excitement for the couple and desire to celebrate their union in a blended style.

Honoring Both Traditions

When it came time to plan the wedding, Reema and Rashid wanted to incorporate important elements from both Kerala and UAE culture.

Reema wore a traditional Kerala style golden lace sari for the henna ceremony, where her hands were decorated with elaborate bridal henna patterns by a specialist flown in from Kerala.

For the main wedding event, she wore a red and gold Abu Dhabi style bridal outfit. Rashid wore the traditional Emirati male kandura and ghutra headgear.

A Grand Celebration

The wedding was held at a glamorous five-star hotel in Dubai, bringing together over 600 guests comprised of the couple’s friends and family members from both India and the UAE.

The atmosphere was joyful and warm as elders from both families greeted one another. The Kerala family proudly wore traditional mundu and sari outfits, while the Emirati men looked regal in crisp white kanduras.

Blending Traditions

The wedding blended customs from both cultures. An intricate floral canopy called a mandapam, flowery decorations and banana leaves transported guests to Kerala. The sounds of tabla drums and sitar strings played during the jaanamath procession reminded us of Reema’s roots.

The Emirati Ardah sword dance during the reception brought in local flavor. The seven-course wedding feast served Arabic mezze starters alongside Kerala fish curries and parottas, showing how both cuisines could harmoniously co-exist.

The most moving part was when Reema performed the Kerala ritual of taking blessings from her family elders. Rashid joined her in following this tradition, showing respect for her ancestry.

Celebrating Unity

In the end, this wedding was a symbolic celebration of unity in diversity. People from varying faiths, languages, and customs came together joyfully to support the couple without any prejudice.

The fusion of rituals, clothes, music and food reflected two beautiful cultures blending seamlessly. But above all, it was a commemoration of love and family ties that transcend all barriers.

The warmth between the families was palpable as they danced arm in arm at the reception. As one of the bridesmaids, I felt honored to witness this special union and see these two families become one. Reema and Rashid’s magical UAE-Kerala wedding will always remind me of how love can bring people together.