In the hills of Shimla, where deodar trees stand like silent sentinels and the mountain breeze carries stories from generations past, Tarisha Bhimta and Aarush Deshta chose to begin their forever. Theirs was not a wedding that celebrated just their journey, but an entire world. A language of rituals passed from grandmother to mother to daughter, songs carried on mountain air and crimson that carry meaning older than memory. Under open skies and among familiar peaks, their Pahadi wedding unfolded as an ode to culture, family and upbringing. From the soulful rhythm of Nati to the stirring notes of Baja played by Turi musicians, every element reflected a conscious return to their roots. In honouring tradition so wholeheartedly, Tarisha and Aarush created a wedding that felt less like an event and more like a homecoming for everyone who gathered to witness it.
A Love Story Rooted in the Mountains
Tarisha and Aarush both were born and brought up in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Their story began not in Shimla, but in Dehradun as two students from the same postcode, finding each other far from home. “We met while pursuing our B.Tech at UPES, Dehradun,” they share. “What began as casual ‘hi-hello’ exchanges between two students from Shimla slowly turned into long conversations and countless evenings at the college amphitheatre. A simple Facebook friend request followed became the beginning of something far more meaningful. By 2015, we had grown inseparable, bonded by shared roots, humour, and comfort.”
There was no orchestrated proposal, no elaborate surprise. “We always knew we wanted to get married. One evening during a call, we decided it was time for our parents to meet. It was simple, sincere, and perfectly reflective of our relationship. Our families embraced the journey wholeheartedly.” After their engagement, the vision was clear. “We began shortlisting venues in Shimla, spending more time with extended family, and focusing on incorporating authentic Pahadi traditions into every function,” reveals Tarisha. Today, she works at global cybersecurity firm Trellix and Aarush leads his own venture, Aarush Constructions.
Planning a Wedding That Felt Like Home
With six to seven months of planning, the couple approached the celebration with intention. “We wanted a culturally rich yet elegant wedding, warm and rooted rather than extravagant. Shimla’s deodars, open skies, and mountain breeze became our natural décor.” Close family members were deeply involved in the process. Every ritual was discussed, refined, and aligned with tradition. “Aarush leaned toward simplicity, while I loved colour and detail,” Tarisha admits. “We balanced our visions by constantly asking, ‘Will this feel like us?’”
The Mama Swagat: An Emotional Beginning
Before the festivities officially began, there was a moment that set the emotional tone for everything that followed. In Pahadi tradition, the maternal uncle (mama) holds a place of profound honour. He is the first to receive a wedding invitation, the first to apply haldi to the couple, and his arrival is greeted not with hugs and handshakes but with exuberant celebration. The mama swagat is a ritual that does not merely welcome one man; it welcomes the unbroken lineage he represents.
“The mama function was one of the most emotional rituals,” she reflects. The mama swagat was accompanied by Nati and Baja, transforming the gathering into a living tapestry of culture. Nati, a traditional folk dance of Himachal Pradesh, is performed in graceful, circular formations that signify unity and collective joy. Baja, played by musicians from the Turi community, is a traditional ensemble of instruments that announces auspicious beginnings.
On the evening of 9 October, 2025 the festivities began with an intimate mehndi. Surrounded by close family and friends, Tarisha got henna applied on her hands. The design featured intricate patterns that intertwined tradition with personal motifs. The décor leaned into natural textures and warm lighting, allowing laughter to be the loudest element in the room. It was a gentle prelude, reflective of their journey and personality as a couple.
Haldi: Bathed in Mountain Light
The next morning, Shimla’s golden sunlight poured over the haldi ceremony. Held outdoors, the ritual was serene and celebratory. “Golden haldi glowed against smiling faces as our family wrapped us in blessings, traditions, and mountain serenity.” Guests embraced traditional attire in vibrant yellows and oranges, echoing the warmth of the ritual. The bride’s mama applied the first haldi, a moment that brought tears and applause in equal measure. The mountains bore witness as family members encircled the couple, singing and celebrating.
Carnival & A Surprise Ring Exchange
Later that morning, the mood shifted into playful exuberance with a Carnival function hosted by Anchor John. Guests arrived dressed in cheerful yellows, while Tarisha and Aarush chose coordinated pink ensembles. Games, music and laughter filled the open space.
Then came the surprise. Without prior announcement, the couple exchanged rings, transforming the carnival into an impromptu engagement celebration. “It felt spontaneous and joyous,” they recall. “We wanted to surprise everyone and create a memory that was uniquely ours.”
The Wedding: A Starlit Pahadi Dream
On the evening of 11 October 2025, under a canopy of stars, towering trees and fairy lights, Tarisha and Aarush tied the knot in their hometown. The baraat moved through the cool mountain air, the rhythm of Baja setting the pace. The mandap design reflected traditional Pahadi elegance, accented with florals and natural greens that mirrored the forest around them.
Aarush wore a Tasva by Tarun Tahiliani sherwani that blended traditional craftsmanship with modern tailoring. Tarisha’s self-designed custom bridal look featured traditional Himachali jewellery layered with intricate necklaces, statement earrings and a maang tikka.
“My bridal entry accompanied by Nati remains unforgettable,” Tarisha says. Surrounded by loved ones performing the folk dance, she walked forward in a moment that felt suspended in time. The significance of Nati, once a communal harvest celebration and now a cultural emblem of Himachal, gave the entry profound resonance.
For Aarush, the most powerful memory was simpler. “Watching families celebrate together in Shimla,” he says. “That meant everything.”
Reception at Peterhoff: A Dignified Celebration
The celebration concluded the subsequent day with a reception at Peterhoff, Shimla. The historic venue glowed under evening lights, its lawns filled with dignitaries and loved ones. Aarush chose a refined Diwan Saheb ensemble for the evening and Tarisha chose a pale gold lehenga with mirror work. The décor shifted into deeper tones with elegant lighting and curated floral installations. “We had a curated menu featuring Himachali cuisine alongside North Indian favourites, offering our guests a taste of the region’s culinary heritage. It was complemented by curated beverages at the reception.”
“As the night deepened, the Sufi band Shankar Faiz performed live. Their soulful melodies drifted through the crisp Shimla air, bringing the celebration to a contemplative and memorable close.”
The Bride’s Checklist
The Bride: Tarisha Bhimta
The Groom: Aarush Deshta
The Venue: Peterhoff, Shimla
Photographer: Plush Affairs
Bride’s Outfits: Custom
Makeup & Hair: Ankit Grewal; Sana Goyal
Groom’s Outfits: Tasva by Tarun Tahiliani and Diwan Saheb
Entertainment: Anchor John and Shankar Faiz (Sufi Band)
