Aishwarya's Mehndi Ceremony

The stage is set for the ultimate ritzy and swanky Bollywood wedding when Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai tie the knot today even as the traditional "mehndi" ceremony got underway yesterday.

The mehndi ceremony held at the bride's home in La Mer apartments in suburban Bandra was a totally private affair on the second day of the three-day marriage festivities.

"As per tradition, the mehndi ceremony was held at the bride's house. It was a small, private ceremony with only close relatives and friends of the Rais invited," sources close to the actress said.

Abhishek's sister, Shweta Nanda and Sonali Bendre, wife of Goldie Behl, who is very close to the bridegroom, brought the mehndi to Rai's home to the accompaniment of Bhangra dancers.

The mehndi was specially ordered from Sojat in Rajasthan. Rai wore a resplendent red and gold zardosi sari designed by Nita Lulla.

A special pandal was also erected in the compound of La Mer apartment. Unlike Wednesday during the sangeet ceremony at the Bachchan residence "Prateeksha", there was no huge crowds wanting to catch a glimpse of tinsel stars.

The traditional function followed the elaborate 'sangeet' ceremony, which lasted till the wee hours of this morning. The sangeet festivities was marked by dance and singing amid a boisterous atmosphere with some of the celebrities shaking a leg or two.