The Hindu Wedding Ceremony

According to Hindu scriptures, marriage is a lifelong commitment, representing the strongest social and religious bond between a man and a woman. The Hindu wedding ceremony is performed in Sanskrit and is solemnized in accordance with the Vedas, the sacred Hindu scriptures. The ceremony honors the couple's love and the joining of their families. The primary witness of a Hindu marriage is the sacred fire (Agni). By law and tradition, no Hindu marriage is deemed complete without the presence of the sacred fire and unless seven encirclements have been made around it by the bride and groom. The ceremony takes place inside a Mandap (canopy). The four pillared structure represents the four Vedas as well as the couple's parent's love, support and blessings for their marriage.

Baraat (arrival of the groom)

The groom traditionally arrives at the wedding ceremony on a decorated horse, accompanied by his group of family and friends (baraat). The groom and his baraat proceed toward the temple in celebration with song and dance.

Var Swagat and Milni

(welcoming of the groom and his family)

The groom and his baraat are greeted by the bridal party at the entrance of the temple with garlands. The bride and groom's family members embrace each other to mark the beginning of the new relationship between the families. The mother of the bride welcomes the Sroom with Aarti (prayer), flowers and blessings. The bride s parents then escort the groom and his parents to the Mandap to begin the wedding ceremony.

Kanya Pravesh (arrival of the bride)

The bride is escorted to the Mandap by her brother.

Jaimala (exchange of garlands)

The bride and groom greet each other by exchanging garlands to denote mutual acceptance of each other.

Ganesh Puja (prayer to Lord Ganesh)

The bride and groom begin the ceremony with a prayer to Lord Ganesh (the Hindu god of wisdom and salvation) so that His divine grace, power, love and spiritual strength may remove all obstacles from the wedding ceremony.

Kanyadaan (giving away the bride)

In Vedic scriptures it is stated that there is no gift greater than offering a daughter's hand in marriage. The father of the bride places his daughter's right hand into the right hand of the groom, who accepts and makes a pledge of endaring lone fidelity and security of their daughter.

Granthi Bandhan (tying the knot)

The edges of the bride's scarf and the groom's stole are tied together, symbolizing their unity.

Havan (lighting of the sacred fire)

The sacred fire (Agni), which symbolizes the illumination of mind, knowledge and happiness, is kindled and serves as a witness to the vows that follow.

Mangal Phere (circling the sacred fire)

The bride and groom circle the sacred fire seven times. The bride leads the first four circles ana the groom leads the last three circles. The exchange sacred vows at the beginning of each of the circles. The first four circles signify the fon words of Life: Dharma (moral duty), Artha (wealth), Kame fors ou Moksha (salvation). The final three circles symbolse wen union in Mind, Body and Soul.

Saptapadi (seven sacred steps)

The bride and groom walk seven steps together, each t signifying their vows to one another:

1. To remain together through happiness and

sorrow.

2. To love, respect and embrace each other's family as their own.

3. To remain faithful to each other.

4. To resolve and abide by each other's wishes.

5. To care for each other in sickness and in health.

6. To acquire knowledge, happiness and harmony by mutual trust and respect.

7. To contribute to the welfare of humanity.

Exchange of Rings

The bride and groom exchange wedding bands denoting their lifelong commitment to each other.

Sindoor and Mangalsutra

(red vermillion and sacred thread)

The groom applies Sindoor to the parting of his bride's hair, signifying that she is now a married woman. He then places the Mangalsutra around her neck, symbolizing his everlasting commitment to her.

Aashirvaad (benediction)

The Pandit blesses the newlywed couple. The couple then seek blessings of their parents and elders. Family and friends shower the couple with flowers and blessings of health, wealth and peace.

A&M

Wedding Day

9:00 AM

9:00 AM

Baraat

9:45 AM

9:45 AM

Jaimala

11:30 AM–1:00 PM

11:30 AM–1:00 PM

Wedding Ceremony

4:30 PM–9:00 PM

4:30 PM–9:00 PM

Reception