4.10.2025-4.12.2025

Neha & Hector

Friday, April 11, 2025

4.10.2025-4.12.2025

Neha & Hector

Friday, April 11, 2025

Thursday: Pre-Wedding Rituals

Tilak: Where the bride's brother applies a tilak (paste imprinted on the forehead) to the groom. It symbolizes respect and acceptance. It is followed by a prayer ceremony to seek blessings for the union of the bride and groom.


Telwan and Bhatwaan: The mothers, aunts, sisters, and cousins of the bride and groom gather to perform a ritual of purification and beautification by applying oil to the couple. During this ceremony, the women also pray to Mother Earth, seeking blessings and the removal of any obstacles to the wedding. As part of the tradition, the bride and groom have Haldi (turmeric) applied to them. It also prepares the bride and groom to look radiant for their wedding day.


Mehndi: Guests are welcome to adorn their hands with henna art to engage in the pre-wedding activities.

Friday: Wedding Rituals

Baaraat: As the groom makes his entrance, all family members join in lively dancing to celebrate his arrival. The groom comes to the venue with music and dancing happening along the way. Everyone is encouraged to dance and celebrate the beginning of the wedding. At the entrance, the bride's parents warmly welcome and greet the groom's parents. A small prayer and hawan (a fire ritual) are then performed by both sets of parents to bless the occasion and ensure a successful event.


Joota Chupai: Once the groom enters the mandap (gazebo) and removes his shoes, it becomes the responsibility of his brother/male friends to safeguard them until the wedding concludes. At the same time, the bride's sisters/female relatives and friends take on the playful task of attempting to steal the groom's shoes, demanding a ransom for their return so the groom may leave the mandap with his bride.


Concluding Prayers Include:


Maala Exchange: The bride and groom accept each other and their union by placing garlands on each other. Following this, the Agni Pooja and Phera take place.


Agni Pooja: The Agni Pooja acts as a divine witness to the vows exchanged. Offerings are made to the sacred fire with the chant "Swaha" (meaning "so be it"), symbolizing the couple’s commitment to sacrifice individual egos and embark on a journey of mutual spiritual growth.


Phera: The Phera is seven rounds of commitments/vows being made around the holy fire. The couple walks together around the fire, pledging to uphold seven vows: to nourish and care for each other and their families, promote physical and mental well-being, earn an honest living and manage their household, bring honor and respect to their community, provide companionship and friendship, remain loyal and joyful, and unite in their spiritual practices. Each step reinforces their bond and shared responsibilities as they begin their married life together.


Placing Sindoor and Mangalsutra on the Bride: The sindoor and mangalsutra solidify the bride’s additional identity as a married woman. The groom places sindoor (vermilion) on the parting of the bride’s hair, symbolizing vibrancy and her role in married life, inspired by the legend of Shree Radha. He then adorns her with the mangalsutra, a sacred necklace of black beads that signifies his love, integrity, and devotion. Wearing the mangalsutra is believed to enhance the husband’s well-being and strengthen their marital bond.


Kanyadaan: The bride’s family bids their daughter farewell. The bride’s parents place her hand into the groom’s, symbolizing the union of two families. With heartfelt words, the bride’s family offers her as a cherished gift to the groom, entrusting him to love, cherish, and protect her.

Saturday: Wedding Reception

We party!! We will have drinks, food, and entertainment for everyone to enjoy!

Do I have to attend each day?

No! As much as we would love for you to come each day, we understand if you are unable to! Please feel free to attend when you can. We are excited to see you there!