Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Shaadi Parampara (meaning wedding traditions) is a new Apna Virsa project celebrating and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Indian weddings in Slough.

Over 18 months we will work with local people of all ages to explore and share the joyful, colourful and meaningful customs of Indian weddings through:

• Workshops on dance, music, folk songs, henna, crafts and traditional wedding props.

• Memory Circles where older generations share stories, photos and wedding artefacts.

• Cultural Exchange Days to compare traditions across cultures and communities.

• Oral Histories & Digital Archive recording the experiences of couples and families.

• Exhibitions at Slough Museum and Slough Registry Office.

• A vibrant community festival – Shaadi Utsav – showcasing rituals, music, food and performance.

The project will train and involve volunteers in oral history, heritage skills, event support, and digital content creation, ensuring the knowledge and skills are passed down.

By bringing people together, Shaadi Parampara will preserve the meaning of rituals, strengthen cross-cultural understanding, and create a lasting digital and exhibition legacy for future generations.