Marriages are made in paradise and are designed to last seven lifetimes, according to Hindu mythology. Marriage is a wonderful partnership that marks a significant turning point in a person’s life. Every single technique and tradition in a Hindu wedding ceremony has tremendous spiritual implications. Hindus adhere to these customs and continue to marry in ethnic groups. They think that marriage is more than just a union of two souls; it is also the melding of two families. Traditional clothes, heavy jewellery pieces such as jhumka earrings, a range of delicacies, cultural music, dancing, and various pre-wedding and post-wedding rituals are all part of Hindu weddings.

Hindu weddings might vary slightly from one state to the next. Depending on cultural influences, each state has its own take on wedding rites. Weddings in some Hindu communities are modest and elegant, whereas weddings in others attract with their grandeur. Marriages in north India, for example, are called vivah sanskar and are accompanied by a band, dhol, and noise. Similarly, when it comes to south Indian weddings, south Indian jewellery is the first thing that comes to mind. South Indian brides wear stunning heavy gold jewellery that makes them look like goddesses.

What to wear for a Hindu wedding?

Don’t be afraid to experiment with colour, brightness, and boldness. You’ll see a lot of brilliant colours, as well as stunning jhumka earrings and neckpieces, at Hindu weddings. For a Hindu wedding party, any ethnic attire appears appropriate. Indo-western clothing look lovely when coupled with traditional jewellery. Sherwanis, dhoti kurtas, and kurta pyjamas are all acceptable options for guys.

Haldi Ceremony

A paste of Haldi is applied to the bride and groom in this procedure. Haldi is applied to them by family and friends to ward off evil spirits.

Mehndi Ceremony

Following the Haldi mehndi ceremony, the bride applies mehndi to her hands and feet. It is thought that the darker the mehndi colour, the happier the couple’s post-marriage life will be. Mehndi is frequently used to write the groom’s name on the bride’s hands.

Welcoming the baraat and groom

Along with the baraat, the groom arrives at the wedding place. It entails dancing and singing in front of a crowd of family and friends. Grooms arrive on horseback, elephant, or in luxurious cars, according on the culture. The groom’s mother greets him with Kumkum tilak and aarti, as well as sugar or sweets. In some Hindu societies, the bride’s sisters greet the groom and ask for neg (money or presents) before allowing them to enter the house. The groom cuts the ribbon and enters the room as the female gang receives their gifts.

Milni Ceremony

In this section, both sides’ relatives greet one other by hugging and sharing haars and gifts. The groom’s brother, for example, is greeted by the bride’s brother.

Shoes hiding (joota chhupai)

Because shoes are not permitted within the mandap, the groom removes his shoes when he sits at the mandap. Bride’s sisters conceal his shoes in order to extort more money from him. It’s a lovely and enjoyable tradition. After paying the girl gang some money, he receives his sneakers back.

Ganesh puja

The wedding ceremony also includes a Ganesh puja. Ganesh is the god of wisdom, good fortune, and the dispelling of barriers.

Kalash puja

Kalash is a copper pot, filled with water, topped with leaves, and dry coconut. This ritual is followed by worshipping the five elements of creation.

Kanya aagman

The bride is brought by her brothers, sisters, and friends to the mandap. The mandap is a bridal canopy with four poles representing purusharthas, four stages of life, four walls of the house, and so on.

Jaimala or var mala

The Jai mala ceremony is a tradition in which the couple exchanges floral garlands. It represents the couple’s acceptance of one another by exchanging garlands.

Granthi Bandhan

The pair ties the knot, which means the groom’s stole is knotted to the bride’s dupatta in this ritual. Granthi Bandhan represents the joining of the couple’s souls via sacred matrimony.

Kanya pratigrahan and kanya daan

In this tradition, the parents place their daughter’s hand in the groom’s and urge that he treat her as his life partner with the utmost care. The groom takes the bride’s hand in his and they swear to always be devoted to each other.\

Saat phere

The couple does seven laps around the mandap’s sacred fire. Seven rounds reflect the couple’s and their relationship’s seven lifetime vows.

Sindoor daan and mangal sutra

The Mangal sutra, a symbol of dignity and a commitment to stay together forever, is tied around the bride’s neck by the groom. The groom then paints the bride’s head with red sindoor or vermilion.

Vidaai

The vidaai ceremony takes place after the elders have given their blessings. The bride’s family hugs her and bids the newlyweds farewell. Bride walks forward, throwing flowers, rice, and cash backwards, symbolising good fortune and prosperity for her parents’ home.

Bride’s welcome

On the way in, the groom’s sister requests for their permission to let the bride in. The bride then performs Griha Parvesh, which is followed by aarti and flowers. She then pushes the Kalash with her right toe and places her feet in a dish of red liquid, leaving her footprints within the house, indicating that the family accepts her as a member.

Muh dikhai

The bride is introduced to the groom’s family at this tradition. The bride’s female relatives reveal her face and present her with gifts. The bride and groom then engage in some enjoyable games.