Indian weddings are known for their fabulous décor and exciting atmosphere. But planning them is a whole different ball game.
The brides-to-be usually get overwhelmed with all of the planning that goes into an Indian wedding. And I don’t blame them.
So lets break it down…
Keep in mind, due to numerous sub-cultures within the country, there are many different versions of what people consider an authentic Indian wedding. This is a general break down, but keep in mind that there are a variety of other traditions out there.
Pre-Wedding Rituals
Pre-wedding rituals are crucial for Indian weddings. The rituals are just like American’s superstitions. The rituals last for about a week. The week is spent celebrating with close friends and family, and creating the exciting atmosphere for the bride and groom-to-be.
The most commonly worldwide known pre-wedding rituals are Pithi and Mehndi.
The Pithi ritual is performed for good luck. Pithi is a paste made from mainly turmeric, chickpea, flour, and rose water. Family members and close friends of the bride and groom apply the paste on the bride and groom’s skin for good luck.
The Mehndi event is a very colorful celebration that takes place the night before the wedding. Generally, it is celebrated by the women on the bride’s side of the family. A professional Mehndi artist will apply henna in a variety of complex designs to the hands and feet of the bride and other female relatives. The designs symbolize joy, beauty, spiritual awakening, and offering.
Wedding Ceremony
A typical tradition Indian wedding ceremony consists of a series of religious rituals that unite the bride and groom, as well as their family members. In the Indian culture, having a close relationship with family is crucial.
Baraat (Groom’s Procession) – The groom’s close friends and family sing and dance around him. The music is played by a professional dhol, a large bass drum player. Then the baraat is met by the bride’s family at the wedding entrance.
Milni (Meeting of the families) – The bride’s mother greets the groom with an Indian welcoming ritual. Relatives of the bride and groom greet each other with garlands. The bride’s family then escorts the groom to mandap, which is a canopied altar where the ceremony is performed. The mandap represents the home that the bride and groom will share together.
Ganesh Puja (Prayer to Lord Ganesh) – The ceremony begins with worshiping Lord Ganesh, who is the destroyer of all obstacles.
Kanya Aagaman (Arrival of the bride) – The bride is escorted to the mandap by her maternal aunt and uncle. This symbolizes the bride’s maternal side approves of the marriage.
Jai Mala (Exchange of garlands) – As the bride approaches the mandap, she and the groom exchange garlands, symbolizing their acceptance of each other.
Kanyadaan and Hasta Melap (Giving away of the bride) – The bride’s father pours sacred water in her hands and places her in the hands of her groom. This is the symbol for officially giving away his most precious groom to his now son-in-law. The groom’s sister (or cousin) tie the end of the groom’s scarf to the bride’s sari with betelnuts, symbolizing unity, prosperity, and happiness.
Vivah Havan (Lightning of the sacred fire) – The priest lights the sacred fire, also known as Agni. Agni symbolizes the presence as a witness of the ceremony.
Mangal Phere (Circling the sacred fire) – The bride and groom walk around the sacred fire seven times. The bride represents divine energy. She leads the groom for the first three rounds, and then the groom leads his bride in the last four rounds. The bride’s brother places rice grains in her hands after she completes each round to signify his pledge to always support and protect her in a time of need. Once the bride and groom have completed all seven rounds, there is a race to see who will sit down first. It is thought that whoever sits down first will be the head of the household.
Saptapadi (The seven sacred steps) –
1. Together we will live with respect for one another.
2. Together we will develop mental, physical, and spiritual balance.
3. Together will prosper, acquire wealth, and share our accomplishments.
4. Together we will acquire happiness, harmony, and knowledge through mutual love.
5. Together we will raise strong, virtuous children.
6. Together we will be faithful to one another and exercise self-restraint and longevity.
7. Together we will remain lifelong partners and achieve salvation.
Aashirvaad (Blessings for the married couple) – Women from both sides of the families whisper blessings into the bride’s ear. The couple will then bow to their priest.
The guests shower the newlywed couple with flowers and rice to wish them a long and very happy marriage.
Have you ever attended or been a part of an Indian wedding?