WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue Student Union Board will stage a mock Indian wedding at 7 p.m. Friday (Feb. 1) in the Purdue Memorial Union South Ballroom.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will offer visitors a chance to observe and participate in a traditional wedding ceremony similar to what is held in India.

“This is a great opportunity to spend a memorable evening while learning about a different and distant culture through its wedding rituals and traditions,” said Ronak Chokshi, director of cultural events for the Purdue Student Union Board.

The ceremony will begin with a “groom”-led procession from the Great Hall of the union to the South Ballroom, where the “bride’s” family will meet the group. Everyone attending the event will be assigned the role of a distant relative or friend of the family when they arrive.

Wedding guests also will be able to put on turbans, saris and henna tattoos, and take photos at the event. A free, traditional Indian meal will be served.

Throughout the event, there will be traditional Indian classical music and Bollywood numbers. The Purdue Indian Dance Club will present a traditional wedding dance, and Purdue Di Shaan, a Bhangra dance team, also will perform. Following the performances and the ceremony, the dance floor will be open for guests to dance to music provided by a deejay.

This event is the third of the Mock Wedding Series events sponsored by the Purdue Student Board. Previous ceremonies included a mock Jewish wedding and a mock Greek wedding.

Limited seating is available, so guests are encouraged to arrive early, Chokshi said.