The Hindu Wedding Ceremony

A marriage is based on absolute trust, equal responsibility, mutual affection and compromise. At every stage of the ceremony, prayers are chanted in Sanskrit to ensure a happy married life. The presence of God is acknowledged through the Agni (holy fire). The ceremony takes place under the Mandap, four pillars that represent the parents which signifies the important part they have played in raising their children.

Baraat: Groom’s Parade

The original form of a baraat is a procession from the groom’s house to the bride’s house for the wedding ceremony. Krishan’s family and friends dance their way to the wedding venue. As they make their way to the entrance, they will be welcomed by Dipa’s family.

Swagatam: Welcoming the Groom’s Family

Dipa then acknowledges Krishan as her husband-to-be by placing a garland of flowers around his neck. Dipa’s mother will perform welcome rituals and give her blessings to Krishan. She will apply a tilak to Krishan’s forehead and tries to catch his nose, representing that he has the power to overcome all the obstacles they may face as a couple. Krishan is then asked to step on an earthen pot symbolizing his willingness to take on life’s challenges in their married life.

Ganesh Puja: Opening Prayers to Lord Ganesh

Every Hindu ceremony begins with the worship of Lord Ganesh, deity of peace and wisdom. This is done so Dipa and Krishan can find strength within themselves to remove any obstacles that may arise.

Vara Puja: Offerings of Nectars

Krishan enters the mandap accompanied by both sets of parents. Dipa’s parents start by cleansing Krishan’s feet with honey and milk to purify him for his new life ahead with their daughter.

Kanya Aagman: Bridal Entry

Dipa is accompanied by her maternal uncle (mama) and aunt (mami) down the aisle to the Mandap. As Dipa enters the mandap, the couple is separated by an Antarpat (curtain), which signifies that they come as separate individuals.

Jai Mala: Exchanging of the Garlands

Dipa and Krishan exchange garlands to symbolize their love and mutual acceptance of each other.

Kanya Daan & Hasta Melap: Giving Away the Bride

Dipa’s parents place her right hand into Krishan’s right hand. In Hindu culture, the giving of the Kanya (daughter’s hand in marriage) is the most precious gift that the bride’s parents can give. The parents place a garland made of hand woven cotton threads around the couple to protect them from evil influences.

Agni Puja: Calling Lord Agni as Witness

Agni (fire) is lit as a witness to a marriage. The bride and groom offer various items to feed the sacred fire and recite vows to be faithful and respectful to one another.

Gath Bandhan: Tying the Knot

Krishan’s scarf is tied to Dipa’s veil, signifying the union of their lives.

Mangal Phera: 4 Circles Around the Holy Fire

Dipa and Krishan circle the sacred fire four times, representing the goals of life that are set forth in Hindu scriptures: Dharma (righteousness & duty), Artha (wealth & prosperity), Karma (Love, Fertility & Family), and Moksha (spiritual liberation). Family and friends throw petals and rice grains to shower the couple during this ceremony. At the end of the last round, it is said that whomever sits on their chair first will rule the house for a lifetime.

Saptapadi: The 7 Steps & Vows of Marital Bliss

Dipa and Krishan take seven sacred steps together symbolizing their vows:

(1) To Nourish each other

(2) To always be determined to grow together physically, mentally and spiritually

(3) To preserve our wealth & prosperity

(4) To serve each other with happiness & harmony

(5) To care for the health and long lives of our children

(6) To be together forever in all responsibilities

(7) To maintain an everlasting friendship and true companionship

Mangal Sutra, Sindoor & Ring Exchange

The Mangal Sutra is a sacred necklace made from black beads that Krishan ties around the Dipa’s neck to symbolize their marriage. Krishan then applies Sindoor in the center parting of Dipa’s hair as a promise to fulfill her every wish. Lastly, the couple exchanges wedding rings.

Kansar (sweet): First Meal Together

Dipa and Krishan’s mothers bring the couple sweets (Kansar). Kansar is the couple's first meal together. The couple offer Kansar to one another to symbolize their union.

Akhanda Saubhagyavati: Blessings

Married women from the couple's families come and bless Dipa in her ear by whispering "Akhand Saubhagyavati” to wish her a long and happy life with Krishan forever. The wedding ceremony has now concluded. The couple takes their first blessings as husband and wife by touching the feet of their parents, elders and priests for a long and happy married life.

To our family and friends, for Dipa and Krishan, today truly represents not only a marriage of two individuals, but the bond of two families, and we cannot thank you enough for being here today to celebrate and bless the beginning of this new journey together.

-With lots of love from the Thakkar and Patel Families

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