A slice of Andhra in US: Texas emerges as a hub for grand Telugu weddings

VIJAYAWADA: A wedding steeped in Telugu tradition, complete with elaborate rituals, traditional cuisine, vibrant décor and age-old customs, no longer requires a journey back to India.For Telugu families in the United States, recreating the quintessential wedding back home has become increasingly convenient, with almost every service and ritual requirement available locally — from purohits and wedding planners to caterers, photographers, mehndi artists and entertainment providers.Texas emerges as a Telugu wedding hubThis growing ecosystem, coupled with visa-related challenges and the sizeable Telugu population in parts of the US, is turning Texas into a preferred destination for Telugu weddings.Austin, Frisco, Dallas and their surrounding areas are increasingly finding favour with families from across the country looking to celebrate marriages without the complications of travelling to India.A booming businessThe trend has given rise to a wedding economy of its own.