Wedding Ceremony

Indian weddings not only unite Bride and Groom but also their families. The ceremony begins with arrival of Groom

Groom coming on a horse to take a Bride

Welcome the Baraat (The arrival of the groom and his family).  The groom arrives at the wedding on a horse, accompanied by his friends and family members. The large procession includes lots of singing and dancing. This signifies the groom’s and his family’s happiness in accepting the new bride.

 Milni (meeting of the bride and grooms families). The bride’s family with garlands and traditional Indian sweets welcomes the groom and his family. Milni is an important tradition where the groom’s family is honored by the brides family.

Kanya Aagaman (Arrival of the Bride). The bride enters the hall and is escorted to the mandap by her maternal uncle and aunt, signifying that the bride’s maternal side approves of the union. In some parts of India, the bride is escorted by her sisters, cousins and female friends.

Jai Mala (exchanging of the garlands). Once the bride approaches the mandap, (area where the wedding rituals take place). The bride and the groom then exchange floral garlands. These garlands are to signify their acceptance of one another.

Sapta-Padi ( seven vows). This is the main part of the ceremony. The couple walk seven steps reciting a prayer at each step. These are the seven vows which are exchanged. The first for food, the second for strength, the third for prosperity, the fourth for wisdom, the fifth for progeny, the sixth for health and the seventh for friendship.

 Aashirvad (blessings).  After the wedding ceremony the married couple bows down before the priest and the elder family members and parents to receive the blessings for a long and prosperous married life.

If you want to know more about Indian weddings read Indian Wedding Traditions by SG at Rice University