Baraat

It is imperative that all guests arrive on time - please arrive by 3pm sharp. Any delays, will prolong the ceremony and the remainder of the day.

A baraat is a celebratory wedding procession for the groom, involving live music and dancing. While it does not hold religious significance, it is an important (and fun) custom nonetheless. We invite all family and close friends to please join in on the dancing as Naveed arrives! This will be followed by the Milni, a formal introduction of the male figures of the two families and will include an exchange of flower garlands.

After this, all guests will proceed into the backyard for the ceremony to begin.

The Ceremony

The hindu wedding ceremony is performed in the ancient language of Sanskrit, uniting two souls for a lifetime.

Ganesh Puja (Worship of Lord Ganesh)

This is a request to Lord Ganesh to keep the ceremony free of any impediments.

Jaimala (exchange of garlands)

After walking down the aisle, Megan will meet Naveed and exchange garlands, as an acceptance to be lifelong partners. The remainder of the ceremony occurs in the mandap (the alter) made up of 4 symbolic pillars.

Kanyaa-Daan (the acceptance of the bride)

Megan’s parents offer her hand in marriage as they place her hand in Naveed’s hand. They ask Naveed and his family to accept Megan as an equal partner to Naveed.

Mangal Pheras (circling the fire)

Naveed’s sister ties his scarf to Megan’s with a knot, symbolizing the eternal bond of marriage. Megan and Naveed walk around the fire 4 times to honour the 4 goals of life:

- Dharma: duty to each other, family and society

- Artha: prosperity for the couple of their family

- Kaama: unconditional love for each other and passion for life

-Moksha: striving for spiritual enlightenment

Saptapadi (7 steps)

Megan and Naveed take 7 steps forward together as vows:

- Let us provide for our household while staying in good health

-Let us develop our mental, physical and spiritual strengths together

- Let us increase our wealth and comfort by righteous means

- Let us acquire happiness and harmony through mutual love, respect, and trust

- Let us be blessed with healthy, intelligent and courageous children

- Let us be blessed with a long life

- Let us always remain as life long friends and partners

Sindhoor and Mudrika (exchange of rings)

Naveed adorns Megan’s forehead with sindhoor (red powder), promising to cherish and protect her. Megan and Naveed exchange rings, and this concludes the rituals.

Vidaai (the goodbye)

At the end of the light, Megan will walk out, throwing handfuls of puffed rice behind her, to be caught by her parents and sister. This is seen as a gesture from Megan repaying her parents for all they have given her, symbolizing her gratitude, love, and well wishes for her parents as she leaves them. This is a way of wishing her childhood home prosperity and happiness, as she departs.

This completes the ceremony! There will be snacks and drinks served, followed by dinner.