Indian weddings are colorful, joyful, and full of traditions, often lasting several days. Each ceremony has a deep meaning, symbolizing not just the union of two people but also the coming together of their families. While some weddings strictly follow old customs, many couples add personal or modern touches to reflect their unique love story.
Here are some of the most common traditions in a North Indian Hindu wedding:
Baraat
The groom arrives in a festive procession, often on a decorated horse or in a luxury car for a more modern wedding vibe, accompanied by family and friends dancing to lively music. Upon arrival, the bride’s family welcomes him with warmth and ceremony. The bride’s mother applies a tilak on his forehead before leading him into the venue.
Ganesh Pooja
A sacred prayer is offered to Lord Ganesh, the Hindu god of wisdom and remover of obstacles. This ritual seeks blessings for a smooth and prosperous wedding.
Kanya Aagman
The bride enters, escorted by her maternal uncles and/or brothers, often walking under a phoolon ki chaadar, symbolizing her transition from her family’s protection to her new life with the groom. Some brides choose to walk in with both parents, while others make a grand solo entrance with music and dramatic lighting.
Jaimala or Varmala
The couple exchanges floral garlands, often made of jasmine, roses, or marigolds. This exchange signifies their acceptance of each other into their families and lives.
Kanyadaan
The bride’s family formally places her right hand into the groom’s right hand. Sacred water is poured over their joined hands, symbolizing their union as equal partners in marriage.
Hasta Milap
The bride’s parents tie the couple’s right hands together with a sacred cloth, signifying the strength of their bond and their union as one.
Granthibandan
The groom’s scarf is tied to the bride’s saree, symbolizing their souls joining as one. Prayers are chanted for a strong and harmonious marriage.
Mangal Pheras
The couple circles a sacred fire four times, with their scarves tied together. Each round represents one of life’s essential goals:
Dharma – Righteousness and moral duty
Artha – Prosperity and financial well-being
Kama – Love, fertility, and family
Moksha – Spiritual liberation
Saptapadi
The couple takes seven sacred steps together, each representing an essential vow:
Nourishing and caring for each other.
Developing physical, mental, and spiritual strength.
Striving for prosperity through righteous means.
Fostering love and harmony within their family.
Blessings for strong and virtuous children.
Leading a healthy and fulfilling life together.
Remaining lifelong partners in happiness and hardship.
Sindoor, Mangalsutra, and Ring Exchange
The groom applies sindoor (vermilion powder) to the bride’s hair parting, marking her as a married woman. He then ties the mangalsutra, a sacred black and gold-beaded necklace, around her neck as a symbol of their eternal bond. This is often followed by the exchange of wedding rings.
Aashirwad
Both families bless the newlyweds, showering them with love and good wishes for their journey ahead.
Vidai - Send off
This send off of Bride’s family symbolizes the beginning of her new life. The bride throws a mixture of rice, flower petals, and coins behind her, expressing gratitude and wishing prosperity for her parents’ home.
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