Indian Wedding Customs

Post-Wedding Tamil Rituals

2008-06-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

Post-Wedding Tamil Rituals

Here is provided information about post wedding Tamil rituals:

Sammandhi Mariyathai Ceremony
It is a ceremony in which the families of the newly weds, as per their status, exchange gifts and clothes.

Laaja Homam & Paaladaanam Custom
The bride's brother gives the groom popped rice, which he offers to the holy fire. That ways, the couple seeks the blessings of Agni that represents the divine power and light of God.

As a part of Paaladaanam custom, the couple seeks the blessings of the senior members of the family.

Grihapravesham
After the completion of wedding ceremony, the bride is taken to her husband's house. As she enters her new home, Aarti is performed. Delicious lunch is served at the wedding venue, when the newly wedded couple returns from home.

Reception
To facilitate intimacy, the groom's family hosts a reception party in the evening. People bless the newly weds and convey them their heartiest wishes.

Pre Wedding Tamil Rituals

2008-06-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

Pre Wedding Tamil Rituals

Here is provided information about pre wedding Tamil rituals:

Panda Kaal Muhurtham Custom
To seek the blessings of divine God, Panda Kaal Muhurtham custom is performed. Basically, a small ritual is carried out one day before marriage, in which both the families offer prayers to the Lord. This is done to ensure that the matrimonial preparations proceed smoothly.

Receiving the Groom
When the groom's family reaches the wedding venue on the morning of one day before the wedding, they are greeted by the bride's family. They are offered a tray containing flowers, paan supari, fruits and mishri. In their welcome, rosewater is sprinkled on them.

The bride's brother adorns the groom's forehead by applying tilak made from the mixture of sandalwood paste and kumkum. He also puts a garland around the groom's neck. After that, the bride's mother serves a delicious dessert prepared from condensed milk. Thereafter, aarti is performed by an elder female member of the bride's family. To ward off the evil eye, a coconut is broken on the ground.

Vratham & Pallikai Thellichal Ceremony
Vratham takes place one day before the wedding. It is performed by the bride as well as groom's family. It is during the performance of this ritual that Vedic hymns are recited by all present. It is conducted by the priest (Vaadyar). This ritual is basically performed to invoke the blessings of ancestors and divine God.

Pallikai Thellichal ceremony is also held a day before the wedding. It involves the filling of clay pots with nine varieties of grains. Married ladies pour water from both the sides. Traditional songs are sung. When the grains are kept in water for a day or two, they sprout. Then the clay pots are kept inside the pond, so that the fishes can feed on the grains and give their blessings to the newly wedded couple.

Naandi & Jaanavaasam
In the Naandi ceremony, Brahmins are honored by offering them gifts and sweets. They are specially invited and the families seek their blessings, to ensure that the marriage proceedings are smooth.

Jaanavaasam tradition doesn't have much of relevance in today's times. The groom boards a beautifully decorated car and is accompanied by a large marriage procession of close friends and relatives. Professional musicians are called upon to play the traditional wedding songs. Fireworks form part of marriage celebrations. The bride's brother garlands the bridegroom and gives him a warm welcome at the entrance of wedding hall.

Nicchiyadharatham
The bride's parents offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, who is believed to remove all obstacles. A puja is conducted in the presence of priest. The groom's family presents a new sari to the bride. Her forehead is adorned with a tilak made from chandan and kumkum and the end part of her sari is filled with fruits, paan-supari, turmeric, kumkum and coconut. Also a flower garland is tied around her waist. Aarti is done for the bride.

Reading of Lagna Pathirigai
The priest has an important role to play in the reading of Lagna Pathirigai. He also announces other details related to marriage like the muhurtam and wedding venue. Thereafter, mouthwatering lavish dinner is served.

Tamil Wedding Rituals Customs

2008-06-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

Tamil Wedding Rituals

Here is provided information on Tamil wedding rituals:

Mangala Snaanam & Kashi Yatra
On the dawn of the wedding day, the bride and groom have Mangal snaanam (auspicious holy bath) in their respective homes. Before the bath, oil and tilak of haldi-kumkum is applied to them.

After having the mangala snaanam, the bridegroom pretends that he is leaving for Kashi and he is no more interesting in performing the role of a householder. He stops only when the girl's father persuades him to take the responsibility of his daughter. Then the groom heads his way for the wedding pandal, where the bride receives him.

Exchange Of Garlands & Oonjal
It involves the exchanging of garlands between the bride and groom three times. This ceremony is full of fun and frolic.

After the couple has succeeded in exchanging their garlands thrice, they are seated together on a swing. Married ladies give the newly weds spoonful of milk and banana pieces to eat.

Kanyadaanam & Muhurtum
As the groom reaches the mandapam, the bride's father welcomes his son-in-law. The groom's mother-in-law puts kajal in his eyes. Thereafter, his father-in-law washes his feet, considering him to be a form of God. The bride is then seated in her father's lap with a coconut in her hands. Thereafter, the bride and her father offer coconut to the bridegroom. In the meantime, the bride's mother puts water over the coconut. This gesture symbolizes the giving away of their daughter. The bridegroom's family presents their daughter-in-law a nine-yard sari that she has to wear at the time of tying of Mangalsutra.

Seeking the help of her sister-in-law and aunts, the bride wears the nine-yard sari and enters the mandapam. A sack of paddy is kept on the floor and the bride's father is made to sit on it. The bride is asked to sit on her father's lap. Paddy represents abundance and good fortune. The yoke of a farmer's plough is taken and touched to the forehead of the bride. It is done with the hope that the couple will always walk together. The priest and the relatives touch the Mangalsutra and thereby bless the couple. After that, this sacred thread is handed over to the bridegroom. He puts it around his wife's neck and ties two knots. The third knot is tied by the groom's sister. The three knots represent the union of mind, spirit and body.

Saptapadi
The bridegroom takes his wife's right hand in his left hand and leads her around the holy fire seven times. In every round, she touches her feet to the grindstone hoping that their union will be firm forever.

Post-Wedding Telugu Ritual

2008-06-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

Post-Wedding Telugu Ritual

Grihapravesh ceremony is a post wedding Telugu ritual in which the bride is taken to her husband's house. She is given a warm welcome by the groom's family members, as she steps into her new home for the first time. Thereafter, like it happens in Hindu ceremonies, the bride is shown the way to her room. After that, the bride takes a bath and dresses up in a new sari.

Pre Wedding Telugu Rituals

2008-06-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

Pre Wedding Telugu Rituals

Here is provided information about pre wedding Telugu rituals:

Muhurtam
An auspicious time for marriage also known as muhurtam is chosen. Weddings generally don't take place in the months of Aashad, Bhadrapad and Shunya.

Pendlikoothuru Ceremony
In the Pendlikoothuru ceremony, turmeric paste and oil is applied to the bride and groom's body. This is done to make their skin look more beautiful. After bathing, they are given a new set of clothing to wear. The bride is adorned with flowers and jewelry.

Snathakam Ritual
Snathakam ritual takes place at the bridegroom's residence before the muhurtam. As a part of this custom, the groom is asked to wear a silver thread on his body.

Kashi Yatra
The bridegroom after reciting the Vedic verses pretends that he is heading his way to Kashi. He shows that he is no more interested in becoming a householder. He stops and comes back only when the bride's brother persuades him to assume his responsibility as a householder.

Mangala Snaanam Custom
As a part of Mangala Snaanam custom, the bride and groom are required to take an auspicious bath on the wedding day. The aim is to purify them and make them prepared to perform sacred rites.

Aarti
Oil is applied to the bride and groom at their respective houses. Thereafter, the family members get together to perform Aarti. They pray to Lord to give wisdom to the bride and groom to lead their life happily.

Ganesh and Gauri puja
Before the wedding ceremony, the groom does Ganesh pooja in the mandapam.

Telugu Wedding Rituals

2008-06-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

Telugu Wedding Rituals

Here is provided information on Telugu wedding rituals:

Kanyadaan
Kanyadaan is the ceremony in which the girl's family hands over their daughter's responsibility to the groom. The bride is seated in a bamboo basket and taken to the mandapam by her maternal uncle. The bride and groom are separated by placing a curtain between them. The couple is not allowed to see each other till the completion of their wedding ceremony. The bride's parents then wash the groom's feet, assuming him to be a form of God.

Jeelakarra Bellamu & Madhuparkam
The priest recites the wedding shlokas from the Vedas. Thereafter, the couple is asked to apply the paste made from cumin seeds and jaggery on each other's hands. This is referred to as Jeelakarra-Bellamu custom. Bitter taste of cumin seeds and the sweetness of jaggery cannot be separated. And applying this paste communicates that the relationship of the wedded couple is unbreakable and inseparable.

As a part of Madhuparkam ritual, the bride dresses up in white cotton sari with red border. And the boy wears white dhoti with red border. White is the color for purity and red is for strength.

Sumangli
Sumangalis are the ten married women that accompany the bride. Out of them, six hold plates containing a mixture of rice and turmeric powder. Small-lit lamps are placed on the remaining plates. They are made from a mixture of rice flour, sugar and milk. Rice represents abundance and lit lamps indicate sweetness and light.

Tying of the Mangalsutra
Mangalsutra is a golden chain with alternate black beads that is worn by married ladies in India. In the Telugu wedding, the bridegroom puts Mangalsutra around his wife's neck and ties three knots.

Kanya Daan Akshata Ceremony
In the Kanya Daan Akshata ceremony, the bride and groom put garlands around each other's neck. People witnessing this occasion come forward to bless the couple. They shower flower petals and turmeric colored rice (Akshata) on them.

Saptapadi
As a part of Saptapadi ritual, the groom and bride walk seven steps together around the fire, while chanting mantras. At the time of Pheras, the bride's sari is tied to one end of the groom's dhoti.

Sthaalipaakam Custom
The groom adorns the feet of the bride with silver toe rings. To ward off the evil eye, she is asked to wear a string of black beads.

Tamil Wedding Ceremony

2008-05-31T10:00:00.001-07:00

Tamil Wedding Ceremony

Tamil wedding ceremony doesn't involve much of extravagancy. Usually, a wedding hall is booked, which is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. According to the Tamil calendar, the months of Aashad (July 15th to August 15th), Bhadrapad (September 15th to October 15th) and Shunya (December 15th to January 15th) are considered inauspicious for weddings. Read on to explore information on Tamil matrimonial customs & traditions…

In this section, we will provide you information on traditional Tamil marriage rituals:

Pre Wedding Rituals

* Panda Kaal Muhurtham Custom
* Receiving the Groom
* Vratham
* Pallikai Thellichal Ceremony
* Naandi and Jaanavaasam tradition
* Nicchiyadharatham
* Reading of Lagna Pathirigai

Wedding Rituals

* Mangala Snaanam
* Kashi Yatra
* Exchange of garlands
* Oonjal
* Kanyadaanam
* Muhurtum
* Saptapadi

Post Wedding Rituals

* Sammandhi Mariyathai Ceremony
* Laaja Homam
* Paaladaanam Custom
* Grihapravesham
* Reception

Telugu Wedding Ceremony

2008-05-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

Telugu Wedding Ceremony

In Telugu wedding ceremony, special emphasis is laid on spirituality. Each ritual has a lot of significance. Wife is considered to be the ardhangini, as in better half of her husband. Read on to explore information about Telugu matrimonial customs & traditions…

Here is provided information about traditional Telugu marriage rituals:

Pre Wedding Rituals

* Muhurtam
* Pendlikoothuru Ceremony
* Snathakam Ritual
* Kashi Yatra
* Mangala Snaanam Custom
* Aarti
* Ganesh and Gauri puja

Wedding Rituals

* Kanyadaan
* Jeelakarra Bellamu
* Madhuparkam
* Sumangli
* Tying of the Mangalsutra
* Kanya Daan Akshata Ceremony
* Saptapadi
* Sthaalipaakam Custom

Post Wedding Rituals

* Grihapravesh Ceremony

Post-Wedding Maithil Brahmin Rituals

2008-05-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

Post-Wedding Maithil Brahmin Rituals

Here is provided information on post wedding Maithil Brahmin rituals:

Sindurdan Custom
The completion of saat pheras is followed by the performance of Sindurdan custom. As a part of this custom, the husband applies sindur or vermilion on his wife's forehead. Sindur remains in the woman's hair parting, till her husband lives. Sindur symbolizes her auspicious wifehood.

Durbakschat Ceremony
Durbakshat ceremony is performed by the Brahmin men, in which they sprinkle husked rice on the newly wedded couple. This gesture represents their heartiest wishes for the fertility and prosperity for the newly weds. This ceremony takes place either on the same day as marriage or on the next day.

Chumaon Tradition
In the Chumaon tradition, the women wave a tray containing ethnic objects over the couple. Marriage rituals take place at the bride's house for about four days. Thereafter, the couple leaves for their home, where new life is awaiting them.

Pre Wedding Maithil Brahmin Rituals

2008-05-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

Pre Wedding Maithil Brahmin Rituals

Here is provided information on pre wedding Maithil Brahmin rituals:

Siddhant Tradition
In the Siddhant tradition, the panjikar, as in the registrar, sees the panjis of both the families, before the commencement of wedding ceremony. As a part of this custom, the panjikar accepts the wedding of the prospective bride and groom, on the tar patra. The day for marriage is fixed according to the Maithil panchang (lunar calendar).

Arrival Of The Groom
On the wedding day, the ladies wait at the compound of the house to welcome the bridegroom, as he arrives. Beautifully decorated kalash and an ox yoke are also placed there. As the groom arrives, he is given a warm welcome by the women. Thereafter, the bride's assistant known as the vidkari, comes forward and welcomes him with sandal paste. This is followed by the groom's ceremonial bath after which he wears his dhoti and the jenui (sacred thread).

The bride then seeks the blessings of the washer man's wife, who is believed to always remain suhagin. It is said that washer man's wife never becomes widow, as she always dies before her husband. As a part of this custom, some yoghurt is taken and touched to the hair of the washerwoman. The same is given to the bride to eat.

Kul Devi Shrine
The couple is then led to the Kul Devi shrine. This is the only chance that the bridegroom gets to enter the shrine of the lineage goddess of the bride's father.

Gauri Puja
Gauri puja is performed, in which the bride offers prayers to Goddess Gauri and thanks her for giving her such a wonderful husband. Betel nut placed on the head of a clay elephant represents the goddess.

Otangar Custom
In the Otangar custom, eight Brahmin men crush some rice, which symbolizes that marriage is the combining of "seed" or bloodlines connecting patrilineages in new ways. The bridegroom also participates in this ritual.

Nana Yogin Ceremony
Nana yogin also called grandmother yogi is a custom that is performed by ladies. As a part of this custom, things like flower, betel leaves etc are placed on a tray, which are used for doing the traditional Aarti of the bridegroom. While doing Aarti, the women chant these words, "Take your yoga and give us wealth."

Maithil Brahmin Wedding Ceremony

2008-05-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

Maithil Brahmin Wedding Ceremony

Maithil Brahmin wedding ceremony consists of traditional rituals, which are celebrated with exuberance. In this section, we will provide you information on Maithil Brahmin matrimonial customs & traditions. We will brief you on the below mentioned traditional Maithil Brahmin marriage rituals:

Pre Wedding Rituals

* Siddhant tradition
* Arrival of the groom
* Kul Devi shrine
* Gauri puja
* Otangar custom
* Nana Yogin ceremony

Wedding Rituals

* Wedding ceremony
* Kanyadaan tradition
* Saptapadi custom

Post Wedding Rituals

* Sindurdan custom
* Durbakschat ceremony
* Chumaon tradition

Kashmiri Post Wedding Rituals

2008-05-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

Kashmiri Post Wedding Rituals

Here is provided information about Kashmiri post wedding rituals:

Satraat Ceremony
In the Satraat ceremony, the bride visits her parental house in the evening time. Usually, she is accompanied by her husband and a few kids. The newly wedded couple is presented new attire on this occasion.

Phirlath Ceremony
It is the same as Satraat ceremony but it takes place during the second time the couple visits the bride's parents house. This time also, they are given a set of new clothing.

Roth Khabar
In Roth khabar ritual, the bride's parents send a freshly baked traditional cake to their daughter's house on the Saturday or Tuesday after the wedding. It is brought to the girl's house by her brother. When he goes back, his sister as in the bride also accompanies her. Infact, she stays at her parents' house for a few days and comes back to her house when some one from her in-laws family comes to take her.

Pre Wedding Kashmiri Rituals

2008-05-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

Pre Wedding Kashmiri Rituals

Here is provided information about pre wedding Kashmiri rituals:

Livun & Wanwun
Livun is a ceremony in which the entire house is cleaned before the wedding. It takes place at the bride as well as the groom's house. It involves cleaning and treating the Kashmiri mud house floors with a mixture of cow dung, mud and water. All married females in the family witness this ceremony. On this day, the family cook also known as waza arrives and places a mud-and-brick oven called war in the house backyard. It is this place, where all traditional meals are cooked for the celebration of various wedding ceremonies.

Wanwun are the music sessions that take place during the evening time at the bride as well as the groom's house. Close relatives and friends participate actively in this joyous function.

Maanziraat Ceremony
The maanziraat ceremony usually happens 1 week prior to the wedding. It starts with krool khanun, a ceremony that involves beautifying the door of the homes of the bride and the groom. This is followed by the bride's bathing ritual, in which the girl's maternal uncle washes her feet. It takes place in the evening. Thereafter, the girl's eldest aunt adorns her hands and feet with maanz (henna). All invitees are served a delicious Kashmiri meal. Thereafter, everybody participates enthusiastically in the wanvun or music session.

Devgon & Duribat
The Devgon ceremony symbolizes the transition of the bride and the groom from brahmacharya stage to grihastha stage. Before performing this ritual, the close relatives of both the families observe a fast. The purohit conducts the ceremony in front of the holy fire. The ornaments and utensils that the bride's parents wish to give to their daughter are also placed. An important custom is the kanishran, in which the boy/girl is bathed with a mixture of water, rice, milk and curd. Flower petals are also showered on the bride/groom. Thereafter, they are dressed up in new traditional clothing.

Duribat ceremony takes place on the same day as that of Devgon. Usually, it is attended by the bride/groom's maternal relatives. Traditional vegetarian lunch is served. Also, it involves exchanging of gifts.

Kashmiri Wedding Rituals

2008-05-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

Kashmiri Wedding Rituals

Here is given information about Kashmiri wedding rituals:

The friends and close relatives help the bride and groom in getting ready for their special day. The paternal uncle of the groom assists the boy in draping the gordastar (turban). Peacock feather is tied to the gordastar using gold thread. Before the groom's marriage procession leave for the bride's house, the groom is made to stand on a vyog (a beautiful pattern made from rice flour and colors). The boy is fed nabad (sugar lumps). To declare the announcement of the boy's departure, a conch shell is blown. Two rice pots are taken in which some money is kept. These are distributed among the poor people.

Receiving The Marriage Procession
When the marriage procession reaches the doorsteps of the bride's house, the guests are given a warm welcome by the bride's family and close relatives. The arrival of the marriage procession is declared by blowing a conch shell. The bride's maternal uncle leads the bride and groom to the vyog. The eldest female family member gives nabad to the couple. Two rice pots are given as alms to the poor. Thereafter, the purohit takes the couple to the door, where dwar puja is performed. The to be wedded couple is then taken to the lagan mandap.

The Wedding Ceremony
The purohit conducts the wedding ceremony rituals in front of the sacred fire. An important ritual is aathwas, in which the bride and groom are asked to cross their arms and hold each other's hands. A cloth is used to cover their hands. As per the Kashmiri folklore, the one who is able to take out the engagement ring of the other first will rule the household. Thereafter, a golden thread is taken and tied to their foreheads.

The couple is asked to place their right foot on a kajwat or grinding stone. Thereafter, the couple takes their first phera by stepping on seven one-rupee coins. In totality there are seven pheras. At the end of the wedding ceremony, the newly weds feed some rice to each other.

Vidai Ceremony
The newly wedded couple is made to stand on the beautifully decorated vyog. Then the eldest female member of the family comes forward and offers nabad to the couple three times. Thereafter, she kisses them on the forehead. The bride is then seated in the doli or palanquin. The friends and relatives of the bride bid her tearful good bye, as she leaves to start a new journey with her life partner.

Welcoming The Newly-weds
The groom's eldest aunt refuses to let the couple make an entry into the house, until she gets cash or jewelry. The couple is then taken to the vyog, where they are offered nabad by the groom's eldest aunt. Also, she kisses them on the forehead. To welcome the newly weds, a pair of pigeons is set free. The next part of ceremony involves the exchange of mananmal tied on the forehead. Thereafter, the groom's aunt leads the couple to the kitchen, where they are made to sit on the mud stove. Delicious food is served to them by the aunt. After they've had their food, the bride wears the clothes presented to her by her in-laws.

Post Wedding Kannada Rituals

2008-05-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

Post Wedding Kannada Rituals

Here is provided information on post-wedding Kannada rituals:

Graha Pravesh Tradition
When the bride enters into her new home for the first time, she is given a warm welcome by the groom's parents. This tradition is known as Graha Pravesh. A kalash filled with rice is kept at the house entrance. The bride is then asked to kick it with her right foot and step into the house.

Name Change Ceremony
In the name change ceremony, the bridegroom decides a name for his wife and inscribes it on a plate containing rice with a ring.

On the second day after marriage, the bride's family visits the newly weds house and take them to their home. The newly wedded couple stays at the bride's home for a couple of days. Thereafter, the groom's family goes to the bride's house to fetch the couple.

Clothes
The groom's family presents five saris to the bride, one for each occasion. A beautiful sari is given for the Dare puja, Kanjeevaram sari for the wedding and simple saris for the haldi and puja. When the bride comes to her husband's home after graha pravesh, she is seated on a sari, which is later given to her. The groom dresses up in silk dhoti and pitambar.

Reception
Reception party is usually held in the banquet hall in the evening time, where delicious mouthwatering food is served.

Pre Wedding Kannada Rituals

2008-05-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

Pre Wedding Kannada Rituals

Here is provided information on pre wedding Kannada rituals:

Naandi Custom
Naandi custom is performed by both the groom as well as bride's family in their respective homes. This is done to ensure that the marriage takes place smoothly.

Kaashi Yatre Tradition
As a part of Kaashi Yatre tradition, the bridegroom pretends that he is very angry and leaving for Kashi yatra because nobody is making an effort to find a suitable bride for him. He makes an announcement of his Brahmacharya. He stops only when his maternal uncle persuades him by showing him the girl that he has chosen for him. Or else he makes an offer of marrying his own daughter to him.

Dev Karya Ceremony
Traditionally, this ceremony is performed on the day of the arrival of the groom's family to the girl's village. All the items of marriage are placed in front of the idol of Lord Ganesha, to seek his divine blessings.

Thereafter, turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom to lend glow to their skin. This takes place in their respective houses.

Kannada Wedding Rituals

2008-05-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

Kannada Wedding Rituals

Here is provided information on Kannada wedding rituals:

Mandap Puja & Var Puja
The first and foremost ritual that is performed on the wedding day is the Mandap puja. Preparations are done to purify the mandap and hall where marriage is to take place.

The bride's father then escorts the groom to the mandap. Thereafter, the bridegroom (who is considered to be a form of Lord) is worshipped. This ceremony is called Var Puja. The bride's parents wash the groom's feet. The groom is given a silk dhoti and pitambar to wear.

Thereafter, the bride is brought to the mandap with her sister covering her face with a fan made from peacock feathers. A white cloth is raised so that the couple cannot see each other. The groom and the bride put garland around each other's neck, to the chant of mantras. The bridegroom's sister holds a kalash of holy water containing a coconut, beetle leaves and Kombu Gindi.

Dhare Herdu Custom
Dhare Herdu custom is performed by the bride's parents as a gesture of giving away their daughter to the bridegroom. The bride's hand is placed in her husband's hand and a coconut and beetle leaves are kept on their hands. Then the parents pour a few drops of holy water on their hands. Thereafter, the bridegroom ties the mangalsutra around his wife's neck.

Saptapadi Ceremony
Saptapadi ceremony involves the taking of seven rounds by the couple around the sacred fire.

Kannada Wedding Ceremony

2008-05-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

Kannada Wedding Ceremony

Kannada wedding ceremony is simple but full of fun and frolic. Read to know about Kannada matrimonial customs & traditions.

In this section, we will provide you information about traditional Kannada marriage rituals:

Pre Wedding Rituals

* Naandi Custom
* Kaashi Yatre Tradition
* Dev Karya Ceremony

Wedding Rituals

* Mandap Puja & Var Puja
* Dhare Herdu Custom
* Saptapadi Ceremony

Post Wedding Rituals

* Graha Pravesh Tradition
* Name Change Ceremony
* Clothes
* Reception

Jewish Wedding Rituals

2008-05-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Jewish Wedding Rituals

Here is provided information on Jewish wedding rituals:

Wedding Ceremony
To begin with, the Rabbi checks the huppah, which is basically a canopy under which the religious ceremonies are carried out. This is done so as to ensure that there are two Kiddush cups and wine, which will be used during the performance of ceremony. The bridesmaids, usherers, maid and matron of honor, best man and other close relatives are made to stand around the huppah.

The groom and bride walk down the passage separately. Usually, they are accompanied by their parents. The bridegroom's side is the first to enter and the bride and her parents are the last ones. Thereafter, the couple is made to stand, next to each other, under the huppah. The huppah represents the new home of the couple. Over a cup of wine, the rabbi recites the blessings and the bride and groom are asked to take a sip. After that the couple exchanges their rings.

Reading Of Ketubah
It is followed by the reading of Ketubah, the marriage contract that is written beforehand and duly signed by two witnesses. It also makes a clear mention of the dowry and the alimony amount that the wife will receive in case of divorce. The Rabbi hands over Ketubah to the bridegroom, which he further gives to his wife to keep. This completes the legal formalities of the marriage ceremony.

Sheva Berakhot Ceremony
In Sheva Berakhot ceremony, seven blessings are recited over a cup of wine.

Thereafter, the relatives come closer and bless the newly weds over a cup of wine. It is customary that an empty glass, covered with cloth, is kept under the bridegroom's feet and he is asked to break it. Through this act, the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem is recalled. Thereafter, the bridegroom kisses his beloved wife.

Pre Wedding Jewish Rituals

2008-05-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

Pre Wedding Jewish Rituals

Here is provided information on pre wedding Jewish rituals:

Yom Kippur Viddui Confessional Prayers
On the day of marriage, the groom and bride observe fast. If the wedding takes place in the afternoon time, the couple privately recites Yom Kippur Viddui confessional prayers. It is done before the wedding ceremony to forget the past and make a fresh beginning of married life.

Badeken Tradition
In this tradition, the bride and groom are given an opportunity to catch a glimpse of each other along with the friends and relatives of either party. It takes place before the commencement of wedding ceremony.

Post-Wedding Jewish Ritual

2008-05-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

Post-Wedding Jewish Ritual

Seudat Mitzwah Jewish Wedding Feast
An important post wedding Jewish ritual is the reception party, in which mouthwatering Seudat Mitzwah Jewish wedding feast is served. At the time of reception, the newly wedded couple is made to sit in the center of the dancing circle. All friends and relatives get together and share joyous moments.

Kashmiri Wedding Ceremony

2008-05-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

Kashmiri Wedding Ceremony

Kashmiri wedding ceremony is full of pomp and show. In Kashmiri weddings, horoscope matching of the prospective bride and groom is given a lot of importance. Kashmiris lay emphasis on checking the compatibility between the two families, in terms of background, status and reputation. Read on to explore information on Kashmiri matrimonial customs & traditions:

Here is provided information about traditional Kashmiri marriage rituals:

Pre Wedding Rituals

* Livun
* Wanwun
* Maanziraat Ceremony
* Devgon
* Duribat

Wedding Rituals

* Receiving the marriage procession
* Wedding ceremony
* Vidai
* Welcoming The Newly-weds

Post Wedding Rituals

* Satraat
* Phirlath
* Roth Khabar

Jewish Wedding Ceremony

2008-05-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

Jewish Wedding Ceremony

For the Jewish people, kiddushin (Jewish word for marriage) is a blessing. The word "kiddushin" has been derived from the word, "kadosh", meaning holiness. The favorite day for the conduct of Jewish wedding ceremony is Tuesday.

In this section, we will provide you information about the Jewish matrimonial customs & traditions. We will brief you on the below mentioned traditional Jewish marriage rituals:

Pre Wedding Rituals

* Yom Kippur Viddui confessional prayers
* Badeken tradition

Wedding Rituals

* Wedding ceremony
* Reading of Ketubah
* Sheva Berakhot ceremony

Post Wedding Rituals

* Seudat Mitzwah Jewish wedding feast

Post Wedding Gujarati Rituals

2008-05-16T04:24:00.000-07:00

Post Wedding Gujarati Rituals

Here is provided information on post-wedding Gujarati rituals:

Gujarati Reception
It is an occasion of merriment, when all the near and dear ones come to bless the newly wedded couple and give them gifts.

Vidaai Ceremony
In the Vidaai ceremony, the bride, with tears rolling out of her eyes, bids goodbye to her parents, friends and relatives. She boards a specially decorated car along with her newly wedded husband. Then, both of them move towards their home, with a new life awaiting them.

Ghar Ni Laxmi & Aeki Beki
The bride is considered to be Ghar Ni Laxmi, a form of Goddess Laxmi, who brings wealth and good luck. At the entrance of the house, a vessel filled with rice is placed. The bride is asked to knock down the vessel with her right foot, spilling some rice.

Thereafter, the bride and groom are seated and arrangements are made for the playing of Aeki Beki. To play this game, a vessel is filled with water, which is colored, by putting sindoor and milk in it. After that, a ring and several coins are put into it. The bride and groom are then asked to find the ring. Whoever finds the ring 4 out of 7 times, will rule the household.

Pre Wedding Gujarati Rituals

2008-05-16T04:22:00.000-07:00

Pre Wedding Gujarati Rituals

Here is given information about the various pre wedding Gujarati rituals:

Mandap Mahurat Ceremony
Mandap Mahurat ceremony is performed by the families of bride and groom in their respective houses. Prayers are offered to Lord Ganesha, who is believed to remove all obstacles. A puja is done by an acharya or priest to seek the blessings of God for the to be wedded couple. Usually, this ceremony is carried out a couple of days before the wedding.

Griha Shanti Puja
After having matched the horoscopes of the prospective bride and groom, a puja or prayer is held. It is called Griha Shanti puja, which is done by the priest. A Mahurat or auspicious time is chosen for the conduct of the prayer. All the family members and relatives participate in this auspicious ritual. It is an important puja, which is performed at the bride as well as groom's house.

Jaan Gujarati Wedding Ritual
Jaan Gujarati wedding ritual is performed to ward off the evil eye. It is an interesting ritual, in which the groom arrives at the bride's house, where he is given a warm welcome. The groom bows his head to seek his mother-in-law's blessings. While, he does so, the bride's mother tries to clutch his nose. But the boy tries his level best to avoid it.

Gujarati Wedding Rituals

2008-05-15T04:21:00.000-07:00

Gujarati Wedding Rituals

Here is provided information on Gujarati wedding rituals:

Jaimala & Madhuparka
Jaimala involves the exchange of garlands between the bride and the groom twice. First time, the groom is on a higher platform than the bride, while, the second time, they are at an equal level.

In the Madhuparka ceremony, groom's feet are washed. Also, he is given honey and milk to drink. While this ceremony is going on, the bride's sisters try to steal the groom's shoes, known as 'Juta Churai'.

Kanya Daan & Hasta Milap
One of the most important wedding rituals is Kanya daan. It is a ceremony, in which the bride's father washes the groom's feet and gives his daughter's hand to him in the hope that he will take good care of her. The bride is considered to be a form of Goddess Laxmi and the bridegroom is considered to be Lord Narayana. Kanya daan is performed in front of the sacred fire, facilitating the pious union of the boy and girl.

Hasta Milap ceremony has a lot of significance. It involves the tying of the groom's scarf or shawl to the bride's sari. The tying of knot and the joined hands of the couple are symbolic of the meeting of two hearts and souls. The acharya or the priest chants mantras and seeks the blessings of Goddess Laxmi and Parvatiji for the couple. The family and relatives witness the conduct of the ceremony and come forward to bless the bride and groom. They sprinkle rose petals and rice grains on them.

Mangalpheras & Saptapadi
Pheras are rounds that the couple takes around the sacred fire, as the priest chants mantras. It also involves the reciting of mantras by the groom that expresses his genuine and heartiest desire to seek his wife's loving support. In Gujarati marriage, there are four mangal pheras, which represent "Dharma", "Artha", "Kama" and "Moksha". Saptapadi are the seven steps that the wedded couple walks together and takes seven vows. Thereafter, the couple seeks the blessings of their parents and other elders.

Gujarati Wedding Attire

2008-05-14T04:18:00.000-07:00

Gujarati Wedding Attire

Gujarati marriage is a classic example of ethnicity, in which people dress up in beautiful rainbow colors. Gujarati wedding attire exhibits glimpses of their rich culture. Talking about the Gujarati wedding bridal wear, most Gujarati girls choose to wear a sari that is draped in the proper Gujarati style.

For a bride, what can be a better and auspicious color than red! Thus, red sari is the ideal ethnic dress for a bride, complemented with appropriate jewelry. However, in the present times, designer bridal lehangas available in different shades are gaining momentum. Stylish and chic looking, lehangas are luring more and more girls into buying them for the special day of their lives.

In a traditional Gujarati marriage, grooms opt for dhoti kurta. However, in metropolitan cities, the traditional ethnic clothing has taken a little back stage. For the modern men, the fashion designers are coming up with designer Gujarati wedding bridegroom wear like indo western kurta pyjamas. In the western wear category, formal suits are becoming the choice of the town.

Gujarati Wedding Ceremony

2008-05-12T04:17:00.000-07:00

Gujarati Wedding Ceremony

Gujarati culture is very rich and is deeply rooted in customs and traditions. Gujaratis are very lively people and celebrate their festivities and other special occasions with magnificent splendor and gaiety. It is reflected in their festival celebrations of Navaratri also that consists of holding of Dandiya Ras nights, in which people, dressed in vibrant color ethnic clothing, perform folk dances.

Read on to explore more information on Gujrati matrimonial customs & traditions:

For match making, Gujratis usually look out for prospective alliances for their children within their own community. When it is the time for ringing of wedding bells, Gujaratis go in for all the customs and traditions that form an integral part of traditional Gujarati marriage rituals.

Gujarati wedding ceremony begins with offering prayers to Lord Ganesha and seeking his divine blessings. Like any other traditional Indian wedding, Mehndi and Sangeet Mehfil follow it. Below is given information about the marriage rituals:

Pre-wedding Rituals

* Mandap Mahurat
* Griha Shanti
* Jaan

Wedding Rituals

* Kanya Daan
* Hasta Milap
* Pheras
* Saptapadi

Post-wedding Rituals

* Reception
* Vidaai
* Ghar ni Laxmi

Post-Wedding Mahashtrian Rituals

2008-05-12T04:13:00.000-07:00

Post-Wedding Mahashtrian Rituals

Here is provided information about post wedding Mahashtrian rituals:
Suun Mukh Baghne

In the Indian society, marriage is not just the meeting of two individuals, but of two families. As a part of this ritual, the groom’s mother initiates the entry of her daughter-in-law in her new home. The bride’s mother-in-law looks (baghne) at her daughter-in-law's (sunn) face (mukh). She also looks at her face in the mirror. Thereafter, she combs her daughter-in-law’s hair. This tradition reminds of the beautiful mother-daughter relationship.

Changing The Bride's Name

It has been a custom among the Maharashtrians to change the name of the girl after marriage. This ceremony is usually held at the groom’s house. Om Ganeshay Nama and the kuldevta's name are inscribed and then the bridegroom traces his wife’s name in a plate full of rice.

Reception Party

Reception party is hosted on the night of marriage. Special lunch is prepared for the occasion. Firstly, the groom’s family members are seated to savor the yummy lunch. The newly wedded couple takes rounds of the mandap, so as to ensure that everybody is having lunch and enjoying himself or herself. After that, the bride’s family is asked to have their lunch.

Maharashtrian Pre Wedding Rituals

2008-05-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

Maharashtrian Pre Wedding Rituals

Here is provided information on Maharashtrian pre wedding rituals:
Sakhar Puda Ceremony

It is a pre wedding ritual that was traditionally performed. It involved exchange of a packet of sugar between the families of prospective bride and groom. However, these days the engagement ceremony is only known as Sakhar Puda, which takes place one or two days before the wedding date. In this ceremony, the to be groom’s parents present a sari to the to be bride. It is indicative of the fact that the girl has got acceptance in the boy’s family. Her hands are decorated with beautiful green bangles.
Simant Puja

It is a traditional ritual, in which the to be groom’s family visits the girl’s village. On their arrival, they are worshipped. Special lunch is prepared for them. This tradition is followed today also.

Halad Chadavane

On the day before wedding, the turmeric powder paste is applied to both the bride and groom at their respective houses by their family members and relatives.

Maharashtrian Wedding Rituals

2008-05-11T04:09:00.000-07:00

Maharashtrian Wedding Rituals

Here is provided information on Maharashtrian wedding rituals:
Marriage Ceremony

At the time of shubh muhurat, the girl’s maternal uncle leads her to the mandap. The girl and boy are not allowed to glance at each other; therefore the girl is taken to the mandap by raising an Antarpaat (a white cloth that is used as a partition between the bride and groom. Thereafter, the shlokas are chanted and this is followed by the removal of Antarpaat. People shower Akshata (unbroken rice) on the couple. After that, the garlands are exchanged between the bride and groom. The couple takes seven mangalpheras in front of the holy fire.
Laxmi Narayan Puja

The bride is considered to be goddess Laxmi and the groom is taken to be Lord Narayan. After the completion of marriage ceremony, Laxmi Narayan puja is conducted, in which the bride and groom are worshipped.
Jhal Phirawne

The girl’s hand is formally given to the boy in the ceremony known as Jhal Phirawne. More popularly, it is known as Kanyadaan. In this ceremony, a cane dish is taken in which 21 lit lamps or diyas are placed. For the first time, the dish is placed on the bride's head. After that it is taken to the bridegroom's family and the bride’s father asks each member to accept his daughter as their own.

Mahashtrian Wedding Ceremony

2008-05-08T23:22:00.000-07:00

Mahashtrian Wedding Ceremony

Maharashtrian wedding ceremony is full of pomp and show, exhibiting magnificent grandeur. Usually, marriages among the Maharashtrians take place in the morning time. An auspicious time or muhurat is chosen, which generally falls in the morning time. Such a muhurat is known as the goraj muhurta. Read on to check out information on Marathi wedding tradition:

In this section, we will provide you information about traditional Maharashtrian marriage rituals:

Pre Wedding Rituals

* Sakhar Puda Ceremony
* Simant Puja
* Halad Chadavane

Wedding Rituals

* Marriage Ceremony
* Laxmi Narayan Puja
* Jhal Phirawne

Post Wedding Rituals

* Suun Mukh Baghne
* Changing the bride’s name
* Reception Party

Pre Wedding Bengali Rituals

2008-05-07T23:21:00.000-07:00

Pre Wedding Bengali Rituals

Here is provided information about pre wedding Bengali rituals:
Vridhi Puja

Vridhi puja is conducted a day before the wedding in the remembrance of the ancestors of the bride and groom. Beautiful Rangoli is made and Lord Narayan is worshipped.
Dodhi Mangal Ceremony

Dodhi Mangal is a ceremony in which ten married women bath the bride/groom. Thereafter, they feed the bride/groom. The yummy meal consists of macher laija bhaja (fried fish), jal dhala bhaja (rice cooked in water), curd and chiruya.
Wedding Piris

Beautifully decorated piris are used to seat the bride and groom comfortably. Exchange of gifts takes place between the two families.
Gae Halud Tattva Ritual

This ritual takes place before the turmeric ceremony. The groom’s parents send some gifts for the bride. It usually includes six saris with matching blouses and petticoats, cosmetics, fish, assorted sweets, curd, paan, dhaan and durba.
Snan

In late afternoon on the wedding day, a couple of married women apply the paste of turmeric and oil on the bride/groom’s hair and body. Thereafter, the bride/groom is given a new set of clothes that is gifted by his/her in-laws. The old worn clothes of the bride/groom are given away to the napti (barber).
Sankha Porana

After bathing and dressing up in a new sari, the bride wears the sankha poranas.
Dressing up the bride

The bride is ornamented with jewelry and crown. When she is fully dressed and ready to go to the mandap, her face is adorned with a design of mukut using the chandan paste.
Mandap

In the preparation of mandap, two banana trees are planted and rice paste is used to make a large alpana. The mandap is beautified with fresh flowers and flashy lights.

Post Wedding Bengali Rituals

2008-05-07T23:19:00.000-07:00

Post Wedding Bengali Rituals

Here is provided information on post-wedding Bengali rituals:
Basar Ghar Custom

It is a ceremony in which the newly weds are given a warm welcome in the bride’s house. Also, they are served delicious dinner.
Bashi Biye Ritual

On the next morning after wedding, the groom applies vermilion on his wife’s forehead. Thereafter, the newly wedded couple visits the mandap, where they worship the Sun God. The purohit is also present at this time.
Bidaai Ceremony

In this ceremony, the newly weds, after seeking the elder’s blessings, leave for their home.
Bou Baran & Bou Bhat Ceremony

Bou Baran ritual is performed to give a warm welcome to the newly weds in the groom’s house. The female members of the house pour water under the vehicle when the couple boards it. The groom's elder brother's wife takes a plate containing lac dye and milk and places it under the bride's feet. After the feet of the bride get imprinted on the floor of the house, her sister-in-law takes her into her new house. The elders of the house shower blessings on the newly wedded couple.

In the Bou Bhat ceremony, the bride eats her first meal in her husband’s house. Usually, the groom’s father hosts a reception party in the evening.

Bengali Wedding Rituals

2008-05-06T23:18:00.000-07:00

Bengali Wedding Rituals

Here is provided information on Bengali wedding rituals:
Welcoming the groom

When the marriage procession of the groom arrives at the doorsteps of the bride’s residence, they are greeted with fresh flowers. An elderly female relative of the bride holds the baran dala. The plate is firstly touched to the groom's forehead, then to the ground. Thereafter, it is touched back again to his forehead. This gesture symbolizes part blessing. After that, the groom is given sweets and sherbet. As the groom enters the bride’s house, rosewater is sprinkled on him.
Shubho Drishti Ritual

In this ritual, the bride and groom see each other.
Mala Badal Ceremony

Mala badal ceremony involves the exchange of flower garlands between the bride and groom while the purohit chants mantras.
Saat Paak & Sampradhan

As a part of Saat Paak ritual, the bride is made to sit on a low wooden stool called pidi that is lifted by her brothers. Thereafter, the girl is taken around the groom in circles seven times. It signifies their union.

In the Sampradhan ritual, the bride is given away to the groom by her paternal or maternal uncle. Thereafter, saptapadi ritual takes place.

Bengali Wedding Ceremony

2008-05-05T23:17:00.000-07:00

Bengali Wedding Ceremony

Bengali wedding ceremony consists of simple but meaningful rituals. There are plenty of interesting Bengali wedding traditions and customs, which enable close friends and relatives to come together and share joyous moments.

Here is provided information about the traditional Bengali marriage rituals:
Pre Wedding Rituals

* Vridhi Puja
* Dodhi Mangal Ceremony
* Wedding Piris
* Gae Halud Tattva Ritual
* Snan
* Sankha Porana
* Dressing up the bride
* Mandap

Wedding Rituals

* Welcoming the groom
* Shubho Drishti Ritual
* Mala Badal Ceremony
* Saat Paak Ritual & Sampradhan

Post Wedding Rituals

* Basar Ghar custom
* Bashi Biye ritual
* Bidaai ceremony
* Bou Baran & Bou Bhat ceremony

Solah Shringar Indian Bride

2008-05-05T23:16:00.000-07:00

Solah Shringar for Indian Bride

For an Indian bride the wedding day is the most important day of her life. She has lots of expectations and hope for this day. Most of the girls in our country have lots of dreams for this day since it marks the beginning of their journey into womanhood. Everybody wants to look best on this day. Different kinds of beauty rituals are associated with this day as her female friends and relatives spend the whole day preparing her for the occasion. The full beautification consists of sixteen parts from head to toe. On this very special day of her life she wants to look the best. She epitomizes beauty on this special day. The bride's solah shringar starts from the top with her hair and ends with her toe.

First her hair is washed and oiled and adorned with flowers and other ornaments for the hair. It is decorated with borla. It is a conocal shaped ornaments for the head. Than a paste of turmeric, oil, and gram flower is used as a scrub and a cream for the bride's hands and arms. Then her forehead is decorated with a mang-tikka or bhor ornament, which is worn along the hairline. The face is also adorned. And the eyes are highlighted with kajal to give a beautiful effect. Even make up is applied on face with powdered and lipsticks. Nose rings are worn. It can be made of gold, pearl and diamond. In some regions and community nose rings are never removed and they become symbol of married woman like mangalsutra. Earrings are also worn on ears. They are of different shapes and sizes. Necklaces of different designs and sizes are worn around the neck. It can be of different lengths short, long or choker or collar type. The bride also wears floral garland. On hands bangles and bracelets are worn. It is the most visible part so bangles and bracelets are one of the most important adornments worn by the bride. Bangles can be of different kinds. It can be made of gold, silver, iron, ivory, glass, ceramic or other metals depending upon the custom and rituals of the particular region. Armlets are also worn on the upper arm, which can be made of different metals. Mehndi designs are made on the hands and feet. On the waist elaborate gold or silver belts are worn. The belts serve the purpose of keeping the bride's sari in place. And last but not least the toes are also adorned. Various kinds of toe rings are worn it can be simple or elaborate looking. The bridal wears, which is considered, as the most important part of solah shringar is always red in color because red is considered auspicious. The sari usually has rich and heavy embroidery with gold and silver threads some also has beads work on it.

Mangalsutra Significance

2008-05-04T23:11:00.000-07:00

Mangalsutra - The Sacred Symbol of Marriage
A Hindu marriage symbolizes not just a bonding of two individuals but also the bonding of understanding, commitment, mutual love and spiritual growth. In Hindu tradition marriage is not just about celebration and fun it demands sacrifice, companionship, dedication, and surrender by both the partners. Each and every rituals and customs associated with marriage portrays the real essence of wedding. Mangalsutra is one such symbol of marriage. It is not just a jewelry item it has lots of significance to an Indian married woman. It is a sacred thread of love and goodwill worn by married women as a symbol of their marriage.

The groom ties it around the neck of the bride on the day of their marriage signifying their union. It is known by different names in different states of the country. In south it is known as Thaali and Mangalsutra in north India. Mangalsutra is the token of dignity and love given to a bride by her groom. The most common type is made of two strings of small black beads with a locket or pendant. It is also made of small beads of gold and black beads with gold and diamond pendant. The black beads signify protection from evil power. It is believed to protect their marriage and life of their husbands. It is considered auspicious for married women to wear mangalsutra after marriage. Though today the trend is changing, as most of them don't wear a mangalsutra.

Today the concept of wearing a mangalsutra has changed. It is more a fashion statement than a symbol of marriage. And credit goes to the daily soaps and Hindi movies. Even the style has also changed over the years. Previously women use to wear simple design mangalsutra with small pendants but now the trend is to wear short length with single string and instead of gold pendants they prefer diamond pendants. But the black beads remain constant. But whatever may be the reason to wear it symbolizes the real essence and concept of marriage.

Hindu Marriage Rituals

2008-05-02T23:10:00.000-07:00

Hindu Marriage Rituals

In a Hindu arranged marriage there are various rituals and customs. According to Hindu Sastra there are four stages of life and the second stage is Grahastha Ashram (the householder stage), which signifies married life and it begins when a man and a woman come together and marry. Marriage is treated as an institution, which teaches the actual values of life. Every stage in life has its own charm. A married life also has its own charm and importance. In our Indian society there are mostly arranged marriages and arranged marriages has various steps. The first step starts with the selection of the bride and the bridegroom. As in arranged marriages the parents selects the bride and groom. The marriage among Hindus is not only considered an union of two souls but of two families. A Hindu wedding not only involves the bride and groom but the entire community, friends, family and relatives as everybody participates in their coming together.

After the selection procedure is over the family members of both the girl and boy decides an auspicious date for their engagement also known as Misri or ring ceremony. The priest decides the date. Now the engagement ceremony rituals differ from region to region and community to community. But all these rituals are an indispensable part of Hindu wedding. In this ceremony the girl and boy exchange wedding rings among each other. Sweets and garlands are exchanged among the couple. On this day special arrangements for dinner is also done for the friends and relatives who gathers to wish the couple. After engagement the next important ritual is the mehndi party. The bride's family and friends mainly celebrate this ceremony. The female friends and family members of the bride celebrate this occasion by painting henna on bride's hand and feet and on each other while the rest of the family celebrates by singing and dancing. The color of mehndi signifies the essence of love in a marriage so it is put on bride's hand to strengthen that bond of love.

Among the other important rituals are Sangeet parties where all the family members and friends of the bride and groom celebrate by singing and dancing the night away. Along with song and dance there are arrangements for food and drink. It is mostly seen among the Punjabis and Gujaratis. It is a large affair in most of the families. Ghari puja is also another important religious ceremony, which is performed on the eve of the wedding day at the groom and bride's place separately. In many regions ghari puja is combined with Pithi the cleansing ceremony during which the bride and bridegroom are pasted with turmeric powder in a beautification process. These were some of the rituals and customs, which were generally followed in all the Hindu marriages. Only the celebration aspect may change due to different culture and traditions of different regions. On the day of the wedding ceremony the place of the wedding is beautifully decorated with flowers. It is called the mandapa where the marriage is performed. The main wedding ceremony is a long and elaborate affair, which lasts for several hours in that the couple takes the saptapadi or the seven steps together before god symbolized by fire and light. The seven vows speak of the real essence and significance of marriage. Each and every ritual and custom is based on Vedic traditions signifying different aspect of married life.