The poolside haldi playlist you didn’t know you needed

A few weeks ago, I attended my brother’s wedding that took place in all its big fat Indian wedding-ness in Gujarat. It was a fairy tale wedding with a blend of Gujarati and Punjabi music playing in the background. The couple, opted for a vibrant palette for the décor that said summer in every possible way. From choreographed entrances to a carefully curated playlist at a floral-themed mehendi or a poolside haldi, to a high-octane flash mob with upbeat music, the wedding was truly a grand affair, in my very (not so) unbiased opinion. The celebration not only gave us memories for a lifetime, but also the realisation about the importance of a well-crafted playlist. And over the years, the haldi ceremony has gone beyond the regular rituals to dances, pool parties and more. So, I drew inspiration from the poolside haldi at my brother’s wedding to create a playlist that's just right for the occasion. 

Kabira (encore version)

No haldi playlist would be complete without this iconic number from the film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. We’d recommend beginning the ceremony with this song before you get to the high-energy dance numbers. 

Chitta Kukkad 

This Punjabi song by Neha Bhasin, is also a melodious, mid-tempo number that is ideal for a haldi ceremony, especially on a sunny day by the pool. 

Navrai Majhi 

Now, if you’re ready to begin grooving and getting everybody together to dance their heart out, we’d recommend starting with this Marathi song that is upbeat and can even be sung along too, for those who don’t want to shake a leg. 

Baari Barsi 

Another song you may want to add to the playlist as your day progresses is Baarsi Barsi, which (kind of) forces everyone to show off their moves on the dance floor! 

Sooraj ki baahon mein 

The couple can choose to make their entrance to this song or it can be the song that they, along with their nearest and dearest ones dance along to, right after the haldi ceremony ends. It couldn’t get more summery than this, really. 

Nachde ne saare 

Now that everyone is all warmed up, it’s time to turn the music up a notch with this dance number from the film Baar Baar Dekho. 

Balle Balle 

This decade old song from the film Bride and Prejudice, has made a powerful comeback at weddings, and seems perfect for some bhangra during the haldi ceremony too! 

Show me the thumka 

You can even take it a step further, by not only dancing to this number, but turning the ceremony into a full-fledged pool party by jumping into the pool, to the tunes of this song. 

Iski Uski 

A personal favourite, this song can be played and danced along to at any of the functions that are part of the big fat Indian wedding! 

Cutiepie 

This song, from the film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, is perfect to be played at the ceremony while applying haldi, as well as dancing by the pool (or in it).