Indian weddings have always been known for their grandeur and fun atmosphere, but it is a different ball game when we talk about planning them. Altogether there are more than 40 rituals pre and post-wedding. The purpose of writing this post is to have a loose guide of the ritual. Remember, because of the numerous sub-cultures within the country, there may be several different versions of what people consider to be an "authentic" Indian wedding.
The pre-wedding rituals
In a typical Indian wedding, the pre-wedding rituals are very crucial. People consider them very auspicious and promising for the wedding. In general, the pre-wedding rituals start a week before the wedding. Here are the two most celebrated pre-wedding rituals
The Haldi ceremony-
This ritual is performed for the good luck. The groom as well as the bride celebrates this ritual at their places separately at their family home. A paste including turmeric, rose water, and chickpea flour is applied on the bride and groom's face and body in order to brighten the skin. The ritual is performed one or two days before the wedding.
The Mehandi ceremony
A night before the wedding, Mehandi is applied on the bride and groom's hands and feet either by a family member or by a Mehandi artist. Not only the bride and groom but the family members also apply Mehandi on their hands. The intricate designs of Mehandi symbolize joy, beauty, spiritual awakening and offering. All the guests dance and sing songs on Indian wedding songs, and the Mehandi songs in Hindi to celebrate the ritual.
The Wedding ceremony
The wedding day includes so many rituals like:
The Baraat
After reaching the wedding place, the groom's family members and friends dance on the Indian festival songs and Dhol. The groom, on the horse, reaches the wedding venue where the bride's family welcomes him by doing an Aarti.
Milni (Where families meet)
In this, the family members of both sides welcome each other by presenting garlands and giving gifts. After this, the groom is escorted to the Mandap, where other rituals take place. The Mandap represents the home that the bride and groom will make together.
The Bride Arrival
Now comes the time when the bride enters the Mandap escorted by her sisters, brothers, and other family members. At some places, the bride is taken to the Mandap by her maternal uncle.
The Jai Mala
After approaching the Mandap, the bride and groom are supposed to exchange garlands made of flowers. It signifies that both of them have accepted each other.
The Kanyadaan
After the Jai Mala, the Priest starts the wedding ceremony and the father of the bride pour sacred water on the bride's hand and hand her hand over to the groom's hand. It signifies that the father has given away her daughter to the groom. Then the sister or brother of the bride tie a knot at the end of groom's scarf with the bride's Dupatta, this is called "Gatbandhan" along with rice and copper coins in it.
The Mangal Phere
After Kanyadan, the sacred fire is lighted and the bride and groom walk around the sacred fire seven times keeping in mind the four aspirations in life: Dharma (duty to each other, family and God), Artha (prosperity), Karma (energy and passion) and Moksha (salvation). The rituals also include placing Mangalsutra on the bride's neck.
Here is a detailed description of the seven vows taken by the couple.
Together we will:
- Live with respect for one another.
- Develop mental, physical, and spiritual balance.
- Prosper, acquire wealth and share our accomplishments.
- Acquire happiness, harmony and knowledge through mutual love.
- Raise strong, virtuous children.
- Be faithful to one another and exercise self-restraint and longevity.
- Remain lifelong partners and achieve salvation.
The Aashirvaad
The wedding is finally over and then comes the time to get blessings of the elder family members. The couple bows down to all the elder relatives of the family and gets blessings. After that the guest shower flowers and rice and the Vidai ritual takes place.
And then they live happily ever after!
Source : articlesbase.com
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