1. Baraat: this is the arrival of the groom on a horse. The groom and his family are greeted by the brides family and the brides mother then performs a welcoming ritual. Groom is then led to the mandap by his parents.

2. Sambandh Milan: The groom is welcomed by the bride's parents with a short prayer.

3. Ganesh Puja: The wedding ceremony begins with a prayer to Lord Ganesh, seeking his blessings to remove all obstacles and bless the couple. The couple are separated by the Antarpat (curtain), which is lowered once the Maharaj (Priest) invokes a prayer for the couple.

4. The arrival of the bride: the bride arrives at the mandap escorted by her parents.

5. The exchange of the garlands: The couple exchanges fresh flower garlands signifying their acceptance of one another and pledging their respect as life partners.

6. Kanya Daan: The brides parents present her as a symbol of Goddess Laxmi and the groom as Lord Narayana, representing the union of the two families. It signifies the transition of the bride into a new phase of life with her partner.

7. The four sacred rounds around the fire (mangalphera): The couple circles the holy fire four times with their wedding scarves tied together. The four circles symbolize the four basic human goals of Dharma, Artha, Karma and Moksha.

8. Sapthapadi: The bride and groom with repeat after the Maharaj the seven promises of marriage.

9. Sindoor and Mangalsutra: A red powder is applied to the brides hair parting by her new husband as a promise to fulfill her every wish and then exchange the wedding rings. Mangalsutra is a sacred necklace made from black beads that the groom ties around the brides neck symbolizing their marriage.

10. Sweet feeding

11. Ashirvaad: The wedding ceremony concludes with the Maharaj, along with the parents and elders of both families, offering blessings for a long and happy married life. The couple bends down to touch the feet of the Maharai and their family elders, a form of respect and worship.

12. Vidai: this is the end of the ceremony where the brides family and friends send her off with her new husband. She throws a fistful of rice behind her shoulder wishing her childhood home happiness and security and leaves with her husband. The brides sisters try to stop them from leaving until the groom pays them to let us leave.

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception