A Hindu wedding is a rich celebration of customs, rituals, and vibrant festivities. The entire process typically spans four to five days and is divided into three key phases: pre-wedding, wedding day, and post-wedding rituals. If you're planning a traditional Hindu wedding in India, ExoticWeddingExpertz is your ideal partner, offering exceptional services at a fraction of the cost compared to the West.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pre-Wedding Rituals
Barni Bandhwana: Performed 15 days before the wedding, this ritual involves a puja to Lord Ganesh, conducted by a priest. During the ceremony, a sacred thread is tied around the groom and his parents' wrists to ensure a smooth and obstacle-free wedding. Regular prayers to Lord Ganesh continue until the wedding.
Byaha Haath: This purification ritual cleanses the bride and groom's mind, body, and soul. Unmarried women from the family apply a special paste of sandalwood, turmeric, and rose water to the bride and groom's faces, hands, and feet. After this ceremony, they are not allowed to leave the house until the wedding.
Mayara: This important ceremony involves the maternal uncle of the bride or groom. Along with his family, he is warmly welcomed by the other family, and clothes given by him are worn by the family members during the wedding.
Sangeet Sandhya: This evening of music and dance is hosted by the groom’s family as a way of introducing the bride to them. It’s a joyous occasion that helps families bond through music and performances.
Tilak Ceremony: The bride's family marks the groom's forehead with Kumkum (a red turmeric powder), signifying auspiciousness. Gifts are then exchanged, and the groom's family promises to take care of the bride.
Mehendi: Known for its symbolism of good luck, the bride’s hands and feet are intricately decorated with mehendi. The darker the mehendi stains, the luckier the bride is believed to be. This ceremony is held the night before the wedding.
Barat: On the wedding day, the groom, dressed in a sherwani and turban, travels to the bride’s home either on horseback or in a decorated car. Family members welcome him with songs, and before entering the house, he knocks on the door with his sword.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Wedding Rituals
Var Mala: The bride, while circling the groom, showers him with flowers, and his family protects him with a shield. The bride and groom then exchange garlands, symbolizing their mutual acceptance as husband and wife. The groom’s mother-in-law performs an Aarti and applies kajal to ward off any evil spirits.
Havan: The core of the wedding ceremony, the priest ties the groom’s dhoti or kurta to the bride’s saree, symbolizing the sacred union. The couple then takes seven vows during seven rounds around the fire, officially becoming husband and wife.
Phere: During the seven rounds of the sacred fire, the bride and groom make vows related to their future together, such as living with respect, sharing joys and sorrows, maintaining family values, and cultivating peace and happiness. Making seven vows that symbolize the foundation of their married life:
1. “With God as our guide, let us take the first step to live with honor and respect. Let us walk together to bring sustenance into our lives.”
2. “Let us embrace happiness and enjoy life together. Let us walk together, growing stronger in our union.”
3. “Let us share both joys and challenges. Let us walk together, building wealth and prosperity.”
4. “Let us honor and respect our parents and elders. Let us walk together, finding happiness in sharing our joys and sorrows.”
5. “Let us commit to acts of charity and kindness. Let us walk together, building a nurturing family.”
6. “Let us seek a long, peaceful life. Let us walk together, filling our journey with joy.”
7. “Let us be friends with love and sacrifice. Let us walk together, fostering a deep bond of friendship.”
After completing the seventh step, the bride and groom are officially pronounced husband and wife, signifying their lifelong commitment to one another.
Kanya Daan: This emotional ritual is conducted by the bride’s father, who gives his daughter to the groom, accompanied by reciting Vedic hymns seeking blessings for a life full of love.
Vidaai: The most emotional part of the ceremony, the bride bids farewell to her family, leaving for her new life with her husband. Family members shower her with blessings as she departs.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Post-Wedding Rituals
Griha Pravesh: The bride is warmly welcomed into her new home by her mother-in-law, who performs an Aarti. The bride steps into the house with her right foot on a tray of vermilion mixed with milk or water, symbolizing prosperity. She then kicks over a pot of rice and coins to bring fertility and wealth.
Dwar-Rokai: At the entrance to the house, the bride is stopped by her sisters-in-law, who use a mixture of salt and water to ward off any evil spirits. They then break the pot, allowing the couple to enter the house.
Mooh Dikhai: A lighthearted ritual where the bride is introduced to the family through games and festivities, allowing her to bond with her new relatives and feel more comfortable in her new home.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
These rituals, each filled with deep meaning and symbolism, make a Hindu wedding a beautifully spiritual and joyous celebration of love, commitment, and family.