Indian Weddings

 

 

 

 

 

We welcome you to a Traditional Indian Wedding with a brief introduction to the various Rituals & Ceremonies performed:-

Hindu Wedding Ceremony
The Hindu wedding ceremony is performed in Sanskrit as per the Holy Scriptures that date back to 5000 - 3000 B. C. Each step of the ceremony has a deep philosophical and spiritual meaning and purpose. The bride, groom, the bride's parents and close family members participate with a priest performing the ceremony.

Var Pokhne (The Welcome)
Bride's mother and close family members greet the Groom by performing welcoming rituals. The Groom is welcomed with a Varmala (Garland) and is asked if he is prepared to make the life-long commitment of marriage. The Groom is requested to break an earthen pot representing the world.

The Groom is led to the Mandap, where the ceremony is performed. The Mandap is a canopy with four posts that represents the earth and its four directions, while the canopy represents the sky. A holy fire inside the Mandap is a symbol of light and purity and is an essential feature of the wedding ceremony.

Ganesh Pooja (Prayer)
The priest begins the ceremony with an offering of prayers to Lord Ganesh to dispel difficulties, remove obstacles and bestow prosperity throughout life. Lord Ganesh is a symbol of peace, truth, friendship, brotherhood and happiness.

Kanya Aagman (Arrival of the Bride)
Bride is escorted to the Mandap by her Mama or maternal uncle with great pride and joy. At the same time, Antarpat, a white curtain symbolizing traditional barriers is held between the Groom and Bride. Once the Antarpat is removed, the Groom and Bride exchange garlands. Bride's parents then bestow a long cotton garland or Varmala on the couple as an acceptance of the union.

Kanya Daan (Giving Away the Bride) and Hasta Melap (Joining Hands)
Bride's parents now formally give their daughter away by placing her right hand into the right hand of the Groom who replies graciously by accepting the Bride's hand in marriage. The Groom recites vows affirming that he takes the Bride as his wife. The joining of hands represents acceptance of each other and the end of the scarves worn by both are tied together symbolizing unity, prosperity and happiness.

Agni Pooja and Mangal Feral (Circling the Holy Fire)
This is an important part of the ceremony. The Groom and Bride will circle four times around the fire to honor the four guiding principles:
 
  • Dharma ~ To discharge religious and moral duties.
  • Artha ~ To gain prosperity and physical well being.
  • Kama ~ To achieve fulfillment of good desires.
  • Moksha ~ To receive the blessing of the Lord.
For the first three rounds, Bride will go ahead and the Groom will follow. In the final round the Groom will lead and the Bride will follow.

Saptapadi (Seven Steps) and Saptapratigna (Seven Vows)
The Groom and Bride take seven steps together making a promise at each step while they recite seven wedding vows:
       
 
  With the promise to nourish each other, I take this first step with you.
 		  
       
   With determination to grow together in strength - physical, mental & spiritual, I take this second step with you.  
       
   With the promise to preserve our wealth & prosperity, I take this third step with you.  
       
   With the vow to serve you with happiness & harmony, I take this fourth step with you.  
       
   With the promise to care for our healthy long lived children, I take this fifth step with you.  
       
   With the vow to be together forever in all responsibilities, I take this sixth step with you.  
       
   With the promise of everlasting friendship and true companionship, I take this seventh step with you.  
       
Sindoor Daan
The Groom will apply Sindoor (red vermillion powder) in the parting of Bride's hair.

Anna Prashna (Offering of Sweets)
The couple feed each other sweets wishing each other a sweet life filled with truth, sincerity and love. The first meal together signifies that the couple will share all things in life and provide for one another.

Aashirvad (Blessings)
The wedding ceremony is now complete and everybody will offer their blessings and well wishes to the Groom and the Bride. The newly weds will then touch the priest's and their family's feet as a mark of respect and blessing.