This couple’s Uttarakhand wedding featured their ancestral Kumaoni customs and sustainable decor
From arranging folk dance performances to sourcing ensembles from Lucknow and Banaras, Tanishq Tripathi and Swati Tewari's nuptials were grounded to say the least
When Tanishq Tripathi arrived at his wedding ceremony, held at the outskirts of Jim Corbett National Park at the family-owned Aahana Resort—it wasn’t atop a horse or accompanied by a loud procession. He chose to walk barefoot along with his family and friends, led by five pandits chanting auspicious mantras and ringing temple bells as an ode to the deeply spiritual beliefs of the family. “We didn’t want anything loud, like a traditional baraat, that could disturb the peace of the surrounding wildlife,” he explains. “As for walking barefoot, it was part of our wedding’s theme, which was a tribute to the deeply revered Garjiya Temple. Having the pandits chant mantras felt like the perfect way to honour the temple, and walking barefoot was a gesture of respect to Garjiya Devi,” he shares.
Their celebration in the wilderness wasn’t just about honouring beliefs. It’s where they had enjoyed countless dates together, hiking through forests, trekking to picturesque lakes like Garud Tal and Naukuchiatal in Bhimtal and Nainital, with sweeping views of the Himalayan ranges framing the backdrop; watching sunsets by the Chanfi River as they discussed their plans for the future; walking barefoot along riverbeds; and enjoying picnics in forest clearings. In fact, even their first date was spent hiking up to the source of Dhokaney Waterfall, near Almora—a place they had often discussed when they first started texting each other.
While the couple, who both hail from Nainital, knew of each other, it was only during the pandemic that they initiated a conversation on social media. Swati Tewari, who had just returned home from Pune, to begin working remotely, happened to respond with a witty message to one of his stories on Instagram about ‘No-Shave November’. That set things in motion as they struck up an easy conversation. “The waterfall wasn't grand like famous tourist spots, but it possessed this unique charm,” says Tewari. They navigated the slippery, muddy terrain dotted with wild ferns, helping each other along—hands grasped together, laughing between breaths, and celebrating small victories with each step.
“After our first date, we continued meeting, always in places untouched by the hurriedness of the world,” she adds. This would be restricted to weekends since both families weren't yet aware of their relationship. They finally broke the news to their families, after gentle nudging by Tripathi’s sister, Avni. Both families were immediately on board with the marriage.
When choosing a destination for their wedding, nature was the only criterion. Tripathi, whose family owns and runs the Aahana Resort near Jim Corbett National Park, felt like the venue was perfect. “Aahana is home for me. It was also meaningful to Swati that we get married there. And it’s been our family’s designated spot for everything,” he says.
The couple knew they wanted a traditional, immersive Kumaoni wedding. They left the planning to the groom’s sisters, Ayu and Avni (who oversee weddings at the property). Motifs, such as florals and geometric designs in Kumaoni colours like yellow, blue and red, and jewellery—typically worn during ceremonies—were used to accentuate the decor. For instance, the traditional nath or Kumaoni nose ring was used to hold together veil curtains. Backdrops drew inspiration from Kumaoni homes, featuring bright blue doors, characteristic of mountain houses. Even the umbrellas matched rangwali pachoda (traditional dupattas or scarves worn by the bride) patterns. Guests were greeted by residents hailing from their ancestral villages. “Our photo booth featured the same Jyoti Patta (a religious art form) design on our wedding card, creating a full circle moment for guests,” the couple adds.
The wedding was infused with local artistry, where women from Tripathi’s father’s village painted clay pots with the traditional Aipan (folk art) design. “All the food that was dished during our haldi ceremony was served in these pots, made by a local potter, Deepak Kumar, who has been a part of Aahana for years,” adds Tripathi.
The four-day celebrations were spread across the resort, starting with an intimate engagement dinner. Mehendi was held the next day followed by a Kumaoni haldi ceremony. Folk dancers or Kumaoni Chholiyas, enacted the traditional sword dance that is typically a part of wedding processions or auspicious occasions. For the haldi, Tewari chose a yellow ensemble, with temple-style heirloom jewels and her mother’s paunchi—a traditional Kumaoni gold bracelet—that has been passed down five generations.
After the sangeet and cocktail night, the wedding day dawned bright, with a deeply spiritual ceremony inspired by the Garjiya Devi temple on the outskirts of Corbett. Guests watched from the garden as the couple took their vows at the mandap set-up by the poolside. “Instead of the traditional sindoor ceremony, I plucked fresh sindoor from the tree on our property and placed it on Swati's forehead—transforming a ritual into something that was truly ours,” the groom reveals. They also tied a kalava (red thread) around a banyan tree to seek nature’s blessings.
