Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) recently organised an exotic Indian wedding ceremony, playing host to more than 800 guests who flew down from other Indian cities including Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai and rest of the world on national carrier Gulf Air.

The three-day event (December 15 to 17),  linked to the wedding celebrations of the son of Bangalore-based Indian businessman, Sushil Mantri, was held at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.

This was in line with BTEA's plan to promote Bahrain as a true destination for weddings and other happy occasions.

The three-day wedding included a series of activities, beginning with the arrival of the Bride and Groom in a traditional Bahraini environment and means of transportation.

The groom arrived on a purebred Arabian horse accompanied by traditional Indian music and dancers, while the bride arrived to the scene of the wedding onboard a traditional boat at Bahrain Bay.

Soon after the ceremony, Bahrain’s skyline was lit by a fantastic display of fireworks to celebrate both the wedding and the Kingdom’s National Day.

On the second day, the guests were invited to a traditional Souk (bazaar) that was hosted at the hotel's large halls, allowing guests to witness traditional Bahraini craftsmen at work, manufacturing beautifully-crafted products made of gold and pearls, traditional women’s and men’s clothing; and enjoy traditional sweets and beverages that were presented.

In a fitting farewell to the guests, the BTEA oragnised a special social and sports programme at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) on the third and final day letting the guests have a go at karting and enjoy it to their fullest.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr Ali Hasan Follad, the BTEA’s Adviser, said: "We have played a pivotal role in planning and organising this wedding, ensuring that the entire event ran smoothly from end to end."

"By co-ordinating with the authorities concerned, particularly, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Information, and other organisations such as Bahrain Airport Company; we worked together diligently as a single team to organize the event’s logistics and ensure the selection of appropriate locations," he stated.

"Further communications were also made with various suppliers and specialists, including Gulf Air among others. It is of note that all the decoration and designs were produced in Bahrain and implemented by Bahraini wedding and event planners," he added.

Dr Follad said BTEA planned to host more prominent weddings this month, and over the course of the next four months, thus enhancing Bahrain’s position as an ideal destination for weddings and other celebrations.

"The kingdom boasts a sophisticated tourist sector, comprising 4-star and 5-star hotels catering to all tastes, offering a variety of upscale amenities in food, beverages and entertainment; and a vibrant tourism sector specialized in organizing wedding ceremonies and presenting unique wedding concepts," he stated.
 
He stressed that this event was a result of BTEA’s continuous participation in exhibitions and conferences throughout the year, including its promotional campaigns in India to promote the kingdom as an ideal wedding and event destination.

"This is in line with BTEA’s strategy to promote a wide and unique range of services powered by advanced tourism facilities, including international luxury hotels, wedding and event organizers, tourism and travel operators, event halls, and many more," he added.-TradeArabia News Service