Mehndi
A Mehendi ceremony is an Indian wedding ritual that typically happens one or two days before the wedding. In a typical Mehendi ceremony, all of the women in the bride and groom's families, along with close friends, gather together while the bride has elaborate henna designs applied to her hands and feet.
VIVAH SANSKAR
Wedding Ceremony
In North India, parts of South Indian, and the Caribbean, a Hindu wedding ceremony is called Vivah Sanskar. It is a sacred ceremony that binds two people in marriage, and two families together. Marriage is considered one of the dharmic duties of a Hindu believer. Once the Dulhan (bride) and Dulha (groom) are united, the union is consecrated and made everlasting.
The wedding day rituals and traditions start from early in the morning before the sun rises and continues until the bride enters the groom's home.
memorable moments
Don't forget to take a glimpse at the groom, when the bride enters,
After all, It's the first time he is seeing his Dulhan as a bride.
Brides, you have spent months planning your dream day, it's okay if things don't go as planned, you worked so hard
Savor the Day
need to know
This is the longest ceremony
Average Time: 1 to 3 hours
Alcoholic beverages are not served at the Indian wedding
trunk bars are a big thing
in west Indian culture
Dulha & Dulhan - Shower with milk and yogurt to clean the dye off your body (Trust Me, it helps)
DETAILS OF WEDDING CEREMONY
Where: Temple or Hall
When: On an auspicious – Lagan day, Consult with a Pundit or Astrologer
The Hindi wedding ceremony is much longer than many other weddings, around the world. There are so many traditions and rituals that encompass the wedding day that includes many family members, games, dancing, singing, and celebrating.
For the Dulha and Dulhan, the wedding morning starts bright and early for the last dye rub and enjoy the last meal with unmarried people.
For the guest, the wedding starts when the groom arrives with his Bharat to the wedding venue and ends when the married couple leaves the wedding venue.
Here are a few activities that start the day for the Bride, Groom, and their family:
Sift the Laawaa: Before sunrise on the wedding day, the mother of the Dulhan/Dulha goes with a few females to sift the Laawaa out of the residence, in the same direction of which there went to do Maati-kore.
Final Application of dye (haldi) is rubbed on the bride/groom and return to the Vedi for one last meal before the wedding.
Kuarpat: The morning of the wedding, before the bride takes a bath. Kheer is shared with 5 unmarried girls, representing this is the last meal eaten as an unmarried person. The same is done at the groom's residence, with 5 unmarried boys.
Snaan-Bath: After kuarpat, the bride/groom goes to take a shower. In some traditions, it is the responsibility of the Father's sister (bhauji) to help the bride/groom shower and get the dye off the body.
Trust me, this may sound weird, but using milk and yogurt in the shower helps remove the dye from the skin.
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Amli Goth
The groom preforms Amli Goth at his residence, where as the bride does this at the wedding venue.
This is a scared tradition between the dulha/dulhain, the mother and the Mamoo (mother's brother) occurs. This tradition signifies breaking the bond of a child and mother. The Mamoo, mother's brother, is there in support of his sister. It is the last meal that is shared with the mother as a single person.
In this tradition, seven mango leaves are circled over the head of the Dulha/Dulhan and mother. The Dulha/Dulhan's job is to bite a piece of each mango leaf. After biting the seven mango leaves, place the seven pieces into the mother's hand. The Mamoo offers droplets of water to his sister, in which she chews and swallows the pieces from her child. This act signifies the groom is now leaving to meet his bride when he returns he will be a married man. For the bride, this signifies she is leaving her parents and when she returns, she will be her husband's. The Mamoo is there in support of his sister, reassuring his companionship.
AT THE WEDDING VENUE
Baraat
The wedding day excitement has finally arrived. The Dulha's friends and families prepare for the Baraat by dressing up their cars in color flowers and decorations.
The Baraat is Dulha's wedding process leaving home for the wedding venue, where the wedding ceremony will take place.
In some cases, the Dulha travels to the wedding venue and switches to mount a horse for his entrance. It is more common for the groom to be surrounded by sports cars and loud music, these days.
This is a lively session. The King of the day is arriving, music is playing, Tassa is beating and the people are dancing in the arrival of the groom.
Milaap (Union)
Milaap means social meeting or union. When the Dulha arrives at the wedding venue, he is warmly greeted by the bride's father and other family relatives.
The Dulha and Dulhan's father would embrace each other, hugging three times. This represents the joy and happiness of bringing two families together. Prayers for peace and prosperity are made by both fathers.
It is believed, the father of the bride or groom that lifts up the other reflects the dominance in the wedding.
Dwaar Puja
Dwaar means door. This is a special pooja done at the entrance of the wedding venue, worshipping Lord Ganesh, Gowrie Maata, Prithvi Maata, Nawgraha Devata, and Latchmi Maata. The groom, also called the bridegroom, makes a special offering to Agni Dewa (Fire). There is rejoicing by the members of both families. The loud beating of Tassa and drums create the mood complementary to such a joyous occasion.
Parchhan
Prior to the arrival of the Groom, a Taari/tali is prepared with a deeya, Lota of water, and small Lois of dough. The bride’s mother, relatives, and friends(ladies) extend a welcome to the groom by performing aarti to indicate he is the king for the day and special songs are sung to laud his virtues. In some cases, this is the first time the groom is seen to some family members.
Janwaas
This is the place the groom and his baraat are accommodated before the marriage. In earlier times, grooms traveled on horse for long periods of time, this was used for a comfortable place to take a little rest before the ceremony begins. Refreshments are served.
THE BRIDES FIRST ENTRANCE
In many weddings, the Dulhan has two entrances.
The first in yellow Indian wear, which represents marriage and fertility.
The Dulhan is escorted to the Mandaap/Maaroe (sacred area for the wedding) by her family and close relatives. The mother leads the entrance by dropping droplets of water to the Mandaap – the queen is making her entrance.
After the bride enters the Mandaap/maaroe, she performs a series of activities as this is the last time she is single.
Amil Ghot (Bride)
Aamli Ghot means that which is tradition, involving mango leaves. This is a very moving stage of the wedding ceremony. Involving the Dulhin’s Mamoo (mother’s brother). The mother sits behind the Dulhin, whilst a mango leaf is circled over the head of the mother and Dulhan. The Dulhan then bites the end of the stem and keeps it in her mouth. This is done five times by the Mamoo, and then the five pieces are put into the mother’s right palm. The mother then voluntarily places it into her mouth. This act is significant.
By biting the end of the stem, the bride silently sends a message to the mother indicating that her intent to depart from her parent's home is voluntary. The Mamoo reassures his sister that he will do all that is possible to ensure that grief will not be experienced at the departure of her daughter. The Mamoo is also offering the companionship of his own daughter to bring comfort to his sister. The mother receives the patmowrie ( a half-moon attached to a piece of thread). Gifts are given to the mother and naywa (helper).
Ganesh Puja
The Dulhan preforms Ganesh & Lakshmi puja. After the completion of this puja, The Dulhan is gifted a Taagpaat/raksha sutra from her Barka-bhaie meaning the groom's eldest brother. This Taagpaat is a necklace, commonly with pom pom's, is placed over the Dulhan's head by the groom's brother representing his vow to protect the bride in all unfavorable events. He is assuming the responsibility of taking care of the bride if his brother at any time is unable to.
At this time, gifts are given to the bride from the Groom's family. These gifts are a Patmowie ( golden or silver half-moon), clothing, and other gifts.
After this, the bride leaves the Mandaap.
THE DULHA'S ENTRANCE
Everyone stands, as the King of the day enters. When the groom enters, his barrat is usually by his side, dancing to tassa music and celebrating their brother.
The Dulha removes his shoes to enter the mandap/maaroe. The Dulhan's father extend a warm greeting to the groom under the mandap and prayers are recited.
The Bride's father offers a seat to the groom and washes the seat of the groom. His daughter is represented as Laskhmi, a goddess, reflecting that the groom is the king.
Madhupark
Madhupark is a mixture of curd, butter, water and honey is offered. The loi is covered with a cloth and tied with a red string. A prayer is recited as the bride's father holds the Madhupark. Then the madhupark is uncovered and given to the Dulha.
fun fact
The groom is Lord Vishu on his wedding day, a true king of the day whereas the bride is Maa Lakshmi, the queen of the day.
Red is a color that represents love, passion, and marriage. Wearing red is a tradition that has been passed down.
things to know
In many cases bride's change from their first outfit to the second, which is usually red.
In earlier times, the groom's family gifts the bride her wedding outfit, which is why bride changes at this point.
THE BRIDES ROYAL ENTRANCE
All guests stand to welcome the Queen of the Day. When the bride enters the mandap, she sits on the lap of her father. She holds her right hand, holding a white conch shell, with a piece of gold secretly hidden by the Bride's parents. This signifies the relationship of the bride to her parents. She is the greatest treasure of the family.
Kanyadaan
Kanyaa means maiden, daan means gift. Kanyadaan is the emotional part of the wedding ceremony, when the parents of the Bride are giving away their daughter, to the Groom. The right hand of the bride is placed on top of the groom's right hand by the Bride's father. A red string called yagyopawith is wrapped around the bride and groom's hands, representing a sacred gift.
The smallest brother of the bride slowly pours water over the dough loi, which is in the bride and groom's hand while prayers are recited.
Gatbandhan
The garments of the bride and groom are tied together with some coins, flowers, and raw rice in a knot. This symbolizes a life long union.
This is done by the Bhauji of the bride.
First Puja together
For the first time, the Dulha and Dulhan are preforming puja together. Puja is performed for Ganesh, Prithvi, Laskhmi and Agni.
Bhaawar/ Saat Phera
The Bride and Groom makes special offerings to the fire, of grains for prosperity and fertility. This is also called Saat Phera. Saat means seven, Phera means circles. Seven circles are made by the Bride and Groom around Agni, along with seven offerings of grains. The bride leads 4 times followed by the groom leading 3 times. At the start of the circle, the bride's brother fills their hands with the grains and at the commencement of the circle, the grains are offered to the fire.
Meanings of the Seven Offerings:
1. Protection & Guidance
2. Complete removal of all fears and distress
3. Happiness
4. Compassion and love for God
5. Sinless Life
6. Healthy Life
7. Favorable conditions from all directions
Saptapadi - Seven Steps
Saptapadi is one of the most important rituals of the wedding ceremony. The bride and groom take seven steps, symbolic of the joint journey in life. Each step is taken in the northeast direction while a specific mantra is recited. Each mantra is a vow that the bride and groom are making to each other.
Silarohan - Stepping on the Stone
This ceremony is also called Asmaarohana, by many people.
The bride stepping on the stone and the groom pushing it away. Symbolically like the stone, the groom asks the bride to be firm and steadfast in her devotion and fidelity to him. May the marriage be as strong as a stone.
Saat Vachan - Seven Promises
The seven promises by the bride and groom. For each ask from the groom, the bride promises to uphold his wishes. Likewise, for each ask from the bride, the groom promises to uphold her wishes.
Mala Har Pratidan
The bride and groom face each other and exchange garlands. This signifies their acceptance of each other in marriage. The unification of their hearts, minds, and souls.
Sindoor Daan
The groom places Sindoor (red vermilion) on his bride’s parted hairline in secret. This is a scared moment of the bride and groom. In earlier times, this was the first time the groom will his bride's face. This symbolizes that the bride is now a married woman. Sindoor is only supposed to be applied to a woman by her husband. Married women are supposed to wear Sindoor to reflect that they are married.
Interesting Fact: If the wife dies before the husband, there is a ritual that the husband has to rub down Sindoor, opposite of the wedding day.
Mangalsutra
The groom places a sacred and priceless piece of jewelry around the bride’s neck. This necklace has unique black beads incorporated in the design and can carry from small designs to large designs. Once married, the bride should wear this necklace every day, which in modern times results in Indian-related events.
Hriday Sparsh
The groom places his left hand over the bride’s shoulder and his right hand on her heart. This ritual indicates that marriage is not only the physical union of two persons but also the union of two hearts or souls in a world of love as the heart is the center of all feelings.
Mudrica Partidaan
The wedding rings are blessed and are exchanged by the bride and groom.
Lotpataa - Exchange of Positions
The bride moves to the left of the groom indicating that the marriage is official. Changing from the groom's right side to his left signifies the couple is married.
Ashirvadh - Final Prayers
This is the final ritual at the wedding venue. Final prayers are recited by the Pandit. Petals and rice grains which are symbols of love, beauty, and prosperity are then showered upon the bride and groom by all gathered.
This is the conclusion of traditions and rituals at the wedding venue.
At this time, many brides and grooms use this time to take family photos and wedding photos.Be sure to cater these hours with your Photographer! It is not very common to have an Indian Reception, many brides and grooms choose to have a white dress reception on another evening from the Hindu Wedding day.