Wedding traditions of Durban
A coastal city of Zulu weddings with leather skirts and beadwork, and one of the largest Indian communities outside India.
Durban is the centre of the Zulu nation in a big city. Zulu weddings are known for dance, beadwork and the umembeso, in which the bride's family gives gifts to the groom's family. Durban also has a very large Indian community, descended mostly from indentured labourers, whose Hindu and Muslim weddings are lavish.
A wedding here
In a Zulu wedding the bride's family dances and sings in a procession, and a cow may be slaughtered. The bride and groom wear traditional dress and beaded jewellery. Grooms and elders carry shields and spears in the dance.
Law and change
The Recognition of Customary Marriages Act allows registration. Ukuthwala is an old custom of abduction that has been used to force young girls into marriage, and it is illegal under national law. Lobola is customary and legal.
Wedding customs of Durban
Also part of it, and being written: Zulu people (The community.), Umembeso (The gift ceremony.), Ukuthwala (The contested custom.), Beadwork (The Zulu love letter beads.).
Communities and their weddings in Durban
- Zulu families The lobola and umembeso.
- Hindu families A wedding by a pandit with a fire.
- Muslim families The nikah and a feast.
A wedding trail idea for Durban
- Victoria Street Market A spice and cloth market.
- Juma Mosque A mosque in the centre.
- Durban Golden Mile The beach front.
Written by the EveryShaadi desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, venues and wedding-season dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
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