The Hindu Wedding

In a Hindu wedding, two people who are said to be compatible are brought together in marriage through ceremonies that are traditionally conducted in Sanskrit, the oldest and most holy language of the Hindu culture. Since most Hindus are not fluent in Sanksrit, the local language of the families involved in the marriage is also used to conduct the ceremonies.

Hindus attach a great significance to marriage and thus have many rituals that are age-old and that contrast in many ways from most westernized modern wedding ceremonies. Rituals are also passed down from regions, families, and castes. Because of the importance of a marriage ceremony, the celebrations are usually large, colorful, and last for several days.

Before an actual wedding ceremony can take place, there are pre-wedding rites that must be performed. These include an oral agreement, known as vagdana, between the bride- and groom-to-be and also a written avowal, known as lagna-patra. The groom's party will usually arrive at the bride's residence in the way of a formal procession and the pre-wedding rites will take place.

A Hindu wedding, as per the Gujarati culture, consists of seven ceremonies; each representing a blessing that will be bestowed upon the couple. At the core of a Hindu wedding the focus is on the belief that there are four stages in life. The second of these stages is the union between man and woman, the values of the institution being rooted in dedication, devotion, love, and sacrifice. The seven ceremonies of a Hindu wedding are Swagatam, Kanya Agaman, Jai Mala, Kanyadaan, Mangal Phera, Saptapadi, and Sindoor and Mangal Sutra.

Swagatam (Welcoming of the Groom)

The groom is welcomed by his mother-in-law to the wedding, where she will perform aarti, a form of worship in which offerings are made to God. As she welcomes him she will playfully grab at his nose to remind him that that he has come rubbing his nose at their door for their daughter's hand in marriage. The groom then steps on an earthen pot as a symbol for overcoming obstacles during his married life. His mother-in-law then escorts him to the mandap (wedding altar) where the ceremonies will take place.

Kanya Agaman (The Bride's Arrival)

The bride arrives at the wedding altar accompanied by her maternal uncle, mother and father. A curtain, which symbolizes traditional barriers, is held between her and the groom. The priest begins to chant mantras to bless the couple before they exchange garlands.

Jai Mala (Exchanging of the Garlands)

The bride and groom exchange garlands (generally made of fresh flowers) to express respect for one another and to promise to share everything in life together.

Kanyadaan (Giving Away of the Bride)

The bride's father joins the hands of his daughter and his son-in-law, declaring to all that have gathered that he hands her to the care of her new husband. The bride's mother then places a woven thread encircling the bride and groom. This is to symbolize that they are united in mind, body and spirit.

Mangal Phera (Circling of the Sacred Fire)

Mangal Phera is considered to be the most important part of a Hindu wedding. A sacred nuptial knot is tied between the bride and groom before they take their first steps together. They will then circle the sacred fire, with the bride leading, four times signifying the four basic human goals of Dharma (Duty & Responsibility), Artha (Prosperity), Kama (Happiness), and Moksha (Salvation).

Saptapadi (Seven Steps and Vows)

With the groom leading, the couple will take seven steps around the fire representing the seven vows and promises they make to each other:

1. To provide the necessities of life for each other and family members.
2. To develop a physical, mental, and spiritual balance.
3. To acquire wealth by righteous and proper means.
4. To acquire knowledge, happiness and harmony through mutual love, respect and trust.
5. To be blessed with healthy children.
6. To show self-resistance.
7. To be sincere, faithful and true to each other in sharing life's happiness and sorrows.

As the couple take these seven steps the priest will chant a mantra blessing the couple:

"May the couple be blessed with an abundance of food.

May the couple be strong and complement one another.

May the couple be blessed with prosperity.

May the couple be eternally happy.

May the couple be blessed with children.

May the couple live in perfect harmony.

May the couple always be the best of friends."

Sindoor & Mangal Sutra

The groom places Sindoor (red vermillion powder) in the parting of the bride's hair to show respect and honor for her wisdom. This is considered to be one of the most sacred rituals of a Hindu wedding ceremony. He then places a Mangal Sutra (a necklace made of gold and black beads) around her neck to symbolize his enduring commitment to her and their marriage.