A Pashtun Wedding In Peshawar

Bridesmaids walk the bride toward a Henna ceremony, in which her hands are dyed with henna. The traditional colorful covering held over her head is Banrasy.

The bride getting henna tattoos on her palm.

The groom also joins in to get henna tattoos.

Women relatives celebrate the beginning of the wedding with a traditional dance called Shadoola.

Another traditional dance, Attan is being performed.

The groom's family prepares henna in a colorful bowl.

Candles, henna, flowers and colorful attire are in abundance.

Elderly women apply henna to the bride's feet.

The groom also gets his fingers dyed with henna.

A traditional swirling dance is part of the ceremony.

Holding currency laced with henna symbolizes hopes that the bride will have a prosperous life.

The newly weds.

The bride under the golden veil called Banrasy.

A military-style Scottish bagpipe band is often hired to play traditional Pashtun tunes outside the bride's house.

Even grandma dances to celebrate the wedding.

The bride departing her parent's home. A copy of the Muslim holy book, the Koran is held over head to wish her happiness and safety in her new life.

A father's last hug.

A cleric performs Nikah an Islamic ceremony to conclude the wedding. 

The bride and the groom in their new home. 

Pashtun folk music brings the wedding night to an end.