Hrithik to dance at Ash-Abhi sangeet ;)

All you ever wanted to know about the much-awaited Bachchan-Rai wedding!

The Sangeet

The excitement is building up to a crescendo, with the big fat Indian wedding fast approaching this Friday. Come Wednesday and the Aishwarya Rai-Abhishek Bachchan wedding celebrations will kick start with the sangeet ceremony at the Bachchans' old home in Juhu Prateeksha.

Huge sound-proof, air-conditioned tents have been put up for guests. Close friends of Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan will enthral guests with a dance performance on 'Bidi Jalaile' from 'Omkara'. Sources tell us Jaya's friends have been gifted specially made embroidery sarees from the family's close pals and fashion designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla.

Ash and Abhi will also perform the popular 'Kajra Re' number for their guests. For those who thought the groom was cross with his good pal for kissing his bride-to-be onscreen, here's good news - Hrithik Roshan will also put in a special appearance. While Shah Rukh Khan has reportedly not been invited to the wedding, rumour has it that he may dance at the sangeet.

While fashion designer Neeta Lulla confirmed to After Hours she would be dressing up Ash for her wedding, for this particular function the beautiful star will wear her in-laws' choice – an Abu-Sandeep creation.

The Mehendi

The mehendi ceremony on Thursday will also take place at Prateeksha. For this function, Ash will wear a red zari-embroidered ghagra choli designed by Lulla. The henna for the grand wedding is being specially brought from Sojat, Rajasthan.

The wedding

While the Hindu calendar deems April 20 (Akshay Tritya) as an auspicious day which needs no special time, sources tell us the wedding will take place at 6.30pm at the Bachchans' other home Jalsa. Family pundits have been invited for this solemn affair, which will follow the Arya Samaj rites. Ash will wear a hand-woven sari with golden zari embroidery by Lulla, while Abhi will wear an Abu-Sandeep sherwani.

With Amitabh's mother Teji Bachchan critically ill, the reception is deferred for a later date in June at a five star hotel. Bollywood will be invited in large numbers for this do.

The honeymoon

Again, due to his grand mom's poor health, Abhi will not go on a honeymoon right now, though the couple has received an invitation from Ireland. Reportedly, a letter to Amitabh Bachchan from Tourism Ireland states: 'We are really happy to learn about the forthcoming wedding of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai. We would like to make an offer for their honeymoon in Ireland.'

So, get set for the festivities and watch this space for more dope on the most awaited wedding of the century!