International Men’s Day, celebrated annually on November 19th, serves as an urgent reminder to celebrate positive male role models and discuss the challenges that men face in society.
This year, on the occasion of International Men’s Day, Wedding Affair has brought into light one beautiful change coming about in Indian weddings: how the modern groom boldly breaks gender barriers and redefines being a man on one of the most important days of life.
Table of Contents:
- The Evolution of the Indian Groom
- Tears of Joy: When Grooms Cry at the Altar
- Mehendi on Men’s Hands: A Colourful Revolution
- Beyond Aesthetics: Participating in Wedding Planning
- The Evolution of the Bachelor Party
- Dancing Without Inhibition
- The Ripple Effect: Changing Society One Wedding at a Time
The Evolution of the Indian Groom
For years, Indian grooms were supposed to put on a stoic expression throughout their wedding events. The unsaid rules were clear: be not too emotional, don’t participate in “women’s rituals,” and definitely don’t shed a tear. Still, this generation of grooms is writing a different story-one that celebrates emotional truth and disregards outdated stereotypes.
This International Men’s Day, we’re celebrating these progressive men who understand that true strength lies not in suppressing emotions but in expressing them authentically. From grooms who openly weep upon seeing their brides to those who enthusiastically participate in mehendi ceremonies, modern Indian men are proving that masculinity and sensitivity are not mutually exclusive.
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Tears of Joy: When Grooms Cry at the Altar
One of the most heartwarming trends at Indian weddings in recent times is that grooms do not hesitate a bit to shed tears upon seeing their brides. Social media is full of videos showing grooms wiping off tears as their partners walk down the aisle, faces full of pure, unadulterated emotion.
This emotional openness is a far cry from what was traditionally expected of men in Indian society. This International Men’s Day, it is relevant to acknowledge that men, too, have the right to express their emotions without fear of judgment. When grooms shed tears at weddings, they’re showing much more than love for the bride; they’re breaking down toxic stereotypes that “real men don’t cry.”
The normalisation of emotional expression among men contributes to better mental health outcomes. Indeed, studies have repeatedly found that bottling up emotions leads to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. By allowing themselves to be vulnerable, these grooms set an example for future generations that emotional intelligence is a strength, not a weakness.
Mehendi on Men’s Hands: A Colourful Revolution
Another beautiful way modern grooms are breaking barriers is by participating in mehendi ceremonies. Traditionally considered exclusively a female pre-wedding ritual, mehendi application has evolved into a unisex celebration in which grooms participate, not only attending these ceremonies but also getting their hands decorated with intricate henna designs.
It speaks to a larger trend that wedding customs should celebrate the union, not specific gender performances. When a groom lowers himself for mehendi application, he is stating something: these are traditions both partners own in equal measure.
The image of grooms with hennaed hands, sitting beside their brides through the ceremony, sends a powerful message about partnership and equality. It challenges the idea that forms of adornment or beauty rituals are inherently feminine and, thus, off-limits to men.
Beyond Aesthetics: Participating in Wedding Planning
The modern groom is also breaking barriers in wedding planning, a tradition that was traditionally left to the bride and her family. Today’s groom is equally involved in choosing colour schemes, floral arrangements, tasting wedding cakes, and selecting invitation designs to make their wedding perfect.
This involvement is not only about equal sharing but also encourages breaking the stereotype that men are not interested in aesthetics, emotions, or celebrations. On International Men’s Day, we remind ourselves that men can be equally eager to create something beautiful and meaningful.
The Evolution of the Bachelor Party
Even bachelor parties are changing. While traditional bachelor parties often perpetuated hypermasculine stereotypes, the modern bachelor party is more varied and substantial. Grooms are now doing wellness retreats, cooking classes, adventure trips, or just small gatherings among close friends where real conversation supersedes loud, drunken expressions of machismo.
This shift represents a maturation in the way men celebrate major life transitions. International Men’s Day is the perfect occasion to acknowledge that men can redefine their celebrations in ways that are quite authentic and meaningful to them.
Dancing Without Inhibition
Another sphere where the constraint of a stereotypical wedding is being broken in every possible way by modern grooms is wedding dance performances. Gone are the days when the groom would stand stiff on stage while their brides performed an elaborate choreography. Modern grooms are learning Bollywood routines, participating in synchronised family dances, and even surprising their brides with specially choreographed performances.
This willingness to be playful, expressive, and even vulnerable in front of large audiences demonstrates a healthy relationship with one’s masculinity. These grooms know that dancing, expressing joy, and being the center of attention are not threats to their manhood-they are celebrations of it.
On this International Men’s Day, we salute such brave men who are changing the meaning of masculinity-not by words, but by deed. They prove that to be a modern man is to have the confidence to show vulnerability, the wisdom to question anachronistic norms, and the strength to be true to self.
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As we celebrate International Men’s Day, let us remember: true masculinity is not about conforming to outdated stereotypes. It is about having the bravery to be yourself, the strength of being vulnerable, and the wisdom to know that breaking barriers does not weaken you; it sets you free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it normal for grooms to cry at weddings?
Of course, crying at weddings is normal and healthy. The modern groom is increasingly comfortable with emotional vulnerability, taking it as a sign of real connection and love for his partner.
Q2: Do grooms apply mehendi at an Indian wedding?
Yes, mehendi is being worn by a lot of modern grooms during weddings. It looks great and is one way of participating in traditional ceremonies and celebrating the union of two people as equal partners.
Q3: How can grooms break gender stereotypes at their weddings?
Grooms can defy stereotypes by being emotional, taking part in any wedding ritual irrespective of gender associations, being actively interested in wedding preparations, and selecting celebrations that they feel will be right for them rather than bowing to stereotypical pressures.
