Hindu weddings explained

Mehndi:

In this event, which usually takes place a day or two before the nuptials, henna is used to apply intricate designs of temporary, decorative art to the bride's (and guests) hands and feet. While the designs usually reflect floral motifs, it's common for the bride to hide her partner's name within the artwork, and later try to find it with her new spouse - a game believed to reflect the amount of patience that will be present in their marriage. There are multiple beliefs focus on the meaning revealed by the color of the henna – the most common being the darker the henna, the more a mother-in-law will be fond of her daughter-in-law

The Mandap and the sacred fire:

The mandap (or altar) is the main centerpiece of the wedding ceremony – a decorative structure under which the couple performs their wedding nuptials. The couple is traditionally joined beneath the mandap by their parents and the ceremony officiant. The posts of the mandap represent the four elements (earth, wind, fire, water) and the four parents who worked hard to raise their children. In the center of the mandap, a sacred fire is kindled which bears witness to the marriage. In Hinduism, fire is regarded as a purifier and a sustainer of life. Offerings are also made into the fire during the ceremony to wish for a happy marriage

Sundowner Sangeet & Reception Dinner:

If you've ever seen a Bollywood movie that ends with nuptials, you know Indian receptions have a reputation to be huge parties - there’s usually a gala dinner with lots of food and a big dance floor. This is the time when the bride and groom can finally relax and enjoy themselves – all they want to do at this point is have everyone on the dancefloor all night long! Sangeet directly translates to "sung together" - during our take on this traditional event, everyone will be dancing, and some may even give full-blown performances

The wedding ceremony

The Baraat and Milni (the meeting of the families):

The baraat refers to the ceremonious welcome of the groom, his family, and friends to the wedding location (on a white horse, elephant or car). Milni is derived from a Sanskrit expression that means “a coming together” - the bride’s family greets and welcomes the groom’s family at the end of the baraat. As part of this bonding tradition, the two fathers from each respective families come to meet as a show of union between their houses and exchange garlands (they may even attempt to lift each other up as a fun little challenge to see who can accomplish the feat first). The bride’s mother will offer her soon to be son-in-law sweets while applying a mark on his forehead known as the teeka, which is the first action in performing the ceremony of light (the Aarti). When this ritual is complete, the groom and both sets of parents are escorted up to the mandap to await the bride

Ganesh Puja (the ceremony commences with a prayer):

Once groom reaches the mandap, the officiating priest (the pandit) invokes the blessing of Lord Ganesh before the wedding rituals begin. This puja (or ceremony) is performed with the intention of bestowing good luck upon the couple and their families, to ward off obstacles that may get in their way as the couple sets out on their new life together

Kanya Aagman (the arrival of the bride):

While traditionally the bride arrived at the mandap escorted by her uncles and brothers, nowadays, she may be escorted in by her father, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins, and friends. Not only is it a wonderful way to get family further involved in the union of the couple, but it also shows their support and love for the bride as she makes the journey to her groom. Once the bride reaches the mandap, it is time for the official wedding ceremony to begin

Jai mala (the exchanging of floral garlands):

The jai mala is a flower garland exchanged between the couple – a symbolic first step welcoming each other into their families representing the acceptance and union of their ceremony. Traditionally, the bride is the first one to present her garland to her partner, followed by the groom. Most couples though follow a playful tradition and compete to see who can garland the other first. Once both garlands have been exchanged, the couple can then take their seats on the mandap besides each other

Kanyadaan (the giving away of the bride):

According to Hindu scripture, there is no greater gift than the gift of one's daughter. During kanyadaan (meaning “giving away the bride” in Sanskrit), the bride’s parents approach the couple, each with their own tasks to perform. The bride's father places the bride's right hand into the groom's right hand, signifying the father’s acceptance of the groom and his care over the bride, to symbolize their lifelong union as partner. While their hands are still joined, the mother of the bride will pour sacred water over the palm of her husband, allowing it to fall through his fingers and onto the joined hands of the bride and groom

Saat pheras (circling the sacred fire):

Mangal pheras ("mangal" means auspicious; "phera" means circle) are considered one of the most important rituals of a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony. Before making their vows and circling around the fire, a knot is tied between the groom's scarf and the bride's sari by a female relative of the groom. The couple joins hands, their physical binding representing a love that binds two souls for a lifetime. They are now connected not only physically, but through their fate as well. During the pheras, the couple takes seven circles around the fire, each circle representing a valuable aspect of marriage - to nourish each other, to grow together in strength, to preserve our wealth and success, to take care of our parents and children, to share our joys and sorrows, to be better together, to remain lifelong friends. As a fun tradition, at the end of the circles the bride and groom will run to sit down. It is said that the one who takes a seat first will have the upper hand in the household!

Mangal sutra (the auspicious thread):

After the pheras, the groom ties a mangal sutra (or “an auspicious thread") necklace on the bride as a symbol of dignity and signifies the promise for the couple to always be together. Traditionally, Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity, is invoked through the mangal sutra providing the bride with blessings throughout her marriage

Ashirwad (the blessings) and conclusion:

Once the priest has declared the couple as husband and wife, the newly married pair will take a bow to the crowd from the mandap to thank everyone for attending. As the final, official, step of the wedding, the couple seek ashirwad from their parents (usually by touching their parents’ feet and embracing in a hug to show respect), grandparents, and elderly members of their family, as their wisdom and love helps to build the structure of a family. The newlyweds recess back down the aisle making their way through the crowd, conventionally sprinkled with red rose petals signifying a wonderful way for the couple to celebrate their new beginning together

Bollywood dance-off