Actors Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram tied the knot in Imphal, Manipur in a blend of rituals and traditions. Despite being new to the Meitei customs, an insider tells us Hooda was excited and “never for a moment, did the smile leave his face”. “His family was equally captivated by the local rituals. They chose to embrace traditional outfits over designer names,” the source adds.

The ceremony started in the second half of November 29, from 1 pm and went on till 8 pm. To ensure Hooda understood the rituals, they had a Hindi-speaking arangpham, a person who makes arrangements for the bor-jatra (initial rites of the groom) and Bor Shennaba, a personal guide to Hooda, who helped him throughout the wedding. At the venue, he was greeted with a traditional torch made of bamboo, flowers, incense sticks and puffed rice showers. Laishram’s mum blessed the couple by tying their hands with the sacred thread, which was followed by lei-koiba and kundo hukpa (an exchange of garlands), which are “considered to be the most important rituals on this day,” says the insider.

“At the end of the ceremony, the kwa lannaba (exchange of the betel leaves and nut) followed, which is a formal introduction of the bride and the groom as a lifelong couple in front of the people gathered. Lastly, the ritual of kangshubi chaba was performed, where the pandit passed the kangshubi (a sweet made of peril seeds) to Randeep, who fed it to Lin. It is symbolic of the love and affection that he will shower on her through life,” the source shares.

Not forgetting their industry friends and colleagues in Mumbai, Hooda and Laishram will throw a reception on December 11, we’ve exclusively learnt. They have started sending out invites, but aren’t disclosing the venue. A source tells us: “They have a huge circle of friends as they have worked extensively in Mumbai. So all of them have been invited. Lin’s immediate family will travel to Mumbai to attend the reception. Just like their wedding, the couple will stick to their culture and don ethnic Manipuri outfits.”