|
The Hindu marriage is a life long promise between a man and a woman taken in the presence of a sacred fire and an assembly of Family and Friends.
Baraat -
The groom arrives on a horse in the form of a parade
Milni -
The bride's family receives. The groom and his family.
Var Puja -
The Bride's Mother welcomes the groom with arti and flowers.
Jai Mala -
The bride and the groom garland each other to signify mutual acceptance.
Sehra -
A member of the Groom's family recites a verse, introducing the groom's family.
Ganesh Puja -
The marriage ceremony begins with an invocation of Lord Ganesha for success in all phases of life followed by Navgraha pujan, a calling of all nine planets for peace and prosperity.
Arrival of the Bride -
The bride is brought to the stage accompanied by her Mamaji (Mother's brother) and Sisters.
Kanya Dan -
The bride's Father gives her away by placing her hand in that of The groom . The groom holds The bride's hand in a gesture of everlasting love.
Gath Bandhan & Phere -
The bride and The groom are joined together by tying a corner of their outer garments, symbolizing the bond of marriage. The couple walks around the sacred fire seven times, making it a witness of their union as husband and wife. Here, the Bride's sister will read a passage from the Geeta (Holy Scriptures).
Sapta Padi -
The bride and The groom take seven symbolic steps together in a promise of lifetime friendship and fidelity. Each step asks for the Lord's blessings in the following:
- May the Lord lead us to sustenance
- May the Lord lead us to strength
- May the Lord lead us to prosperity
- May the Lord lead us to the source of all bliss
- May the Lord lead us to good progeny
- May the Lord lead us to enjoy all the seasons and longevity
- May the Lord lead us to union, devotion, and companionship.
Sindoor Daan -
The Groom puts Sindoor (red powder) in the parting of the Bride's hair to welcome her into his life as his eternal partner.
Anguthi Rasam -
The bride and the groom exchange rings.
Aashirvad -
Family and Friends bless the couple by showering them with flowers.
"This heart of thine, let it be mine And this heart of mine, let it be thine"
|
