Wedding Program

The traditional Hindu vedic wedding ceremony is five thousand years old and is performed in Sanskrit. Each step in the ceremony has a significant, symbolic, and spiritual meaning. The marriage, or lagna, unites not only the bride and groom, but also their families. The lagna takes place beneath a decorated ceremonial canopy called the mandap, which is supported by four pillars- these pillars represent the respective parents of the bride and groom. It is within the mandap that a new life will begin for the married couple.

Ceremony conducted by Shree ---

Baraat/ Jaan - The Kickoff

The idea of the baraat (which refers to the groom’s family and friends) was born back when friends and family from the groom’s side would travel all the way to the bride’s town for the wedding. In those days, weddings happened overnight, and the groom’s sisters had to play a Tabudi Lun (decorated bottle with stones) to keep the groom awake. To keep the tradition alive, Rahul’s sister, Dhruva, will play the Tabudi Lun for Rahul for his baraat. The baraat (also referred to as the jaan) is the official kick off for the wedding ceremony. Rahul, along with his family and friends, celebrate Rahul and Riya’s special day as they make their way over to the wedding venue. The day begins with music, dancing, excitement, and sets the tone for the ceremony.

Ponkwanu - Welcoming the Groom

Varbediyu

Riya’s family formally welcomes Rahul and his family to the wedding venue. Riya’s mother, Lina, will put a tilak on Rahul’s head, and ask him to smash a clay pot with his foot. Smashing the clay pot with his foot demonstrates that Rahul has the power to overcome any obstacles he and Riya may face in their married life. Rahul and his family are then escorted inside the wedding venue by Riya’s parents - Satishkumar & Lina.

Ganesh Puja

All traditional Indian weddings begin with the Ganesh Puja. Rahul, Rahul’s parents, and Riya’s parents sit while the priest invokes Lord Ganesh (the Hindu elephant God who removes all obstacles). Riya’s parents perform the Ganesh Puja, offering a prayer to Lord Ganesh and requesting peace and harmony to prevail during the ceremony. Lord Ganesh’s blessings are sought as an auspicious start for the couple’s new life together.

Jain Shlok - Navkar Mantra

The Navkar Mantra is the most important mantra in Jainism. When reciting the mantra, we are bowing down with respect to the five supreme spiritual people: Arihantas (souls who have reached the state of non-attachment towards worldly process), Siddhas (liberated souls), Ächäryäs (heads of sadhus and sadhvis), Upädhyäyas (those who teach scriptures to sadhus and sadhvis), Sädhus (monks, who have voluntarily given up social, economical and family relationships) and Sädhvis (nuns, who have voluntarily given up social, economical and family relationships).

Vaarpooja/ Madhuparka

It is stated in Vedic scriptures that the groom, at the time of marriage, is a representation of Lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe. Riya’s parents perform a ceremony welcoming Rahul as Lord Vishnu, offering flowers and Madhuparka. Madhuparka is a sweet drink consisting of yogurt and honey, and represents the sweet life the new couple will have together.

Antarpaat

Rahul’s sister, Dhruva, holds up a veil of cloth to prevent him from seeing Riya as she enters. The antarpaat is embroidered with names of their grandparents who couldn't be present today, so they can witness Rahul and Riya's wedding ceremony in spirit.

Kanya Aagman - Arrival of the Bride

The bridal procession enters. Riya’s nieces, Aashi, Kuhu and Devanya, shower the walkway with flowers. Rahul’s nephews, Lekh and Aaryan, bring the couple’s wedding rings and mangal sutra, and is escorted by Rahul's sister, Dhruva. The couple’s best friends and siblings hype up the party as Riya is escorted in by Mama and Mami - her maternal uncle and aunt.

Jaimala

Riya and Rahul exchange flower garlands in the presence of their parents, relatives, and friends to formally convey their mutual acceptance, respect, and love for each other. The sweet scent of flowers symbolizes the happiness of married life.

Cheda-Chedi/ Varmala

Riya and Rahul's dupattas are tied to each other. The knot symbolizes their union. A long garland of colorful thread is placed around Riya and Rahul as a symbol of blessing from both parents.

Hasta Melap/ Kanyadan

Riya’s parents signify they are giving away their daughter by placing her hand in Rahul’s hand. Rahul’s parents will also signify that they are giving away their son by placing Rahul’s hand in Riya’s hand. Satishkumar and Lina seek a pledge from Rahul of his love, fidelity, and security in caring for Riya. Vijaykumar and Neela seek a pledge from Riya of her love, fidelity, and security in caring for Rahul. Not only is Riya now Rahul’s responsibility, but Rahul is also Riya’s responsibility. They will protect each other, take care of each other, and one’s happiness will be the happiness and prosperity of the other.

The Wedding Ceremony

Mangal Fera

Riya and Rahul circle around the holy fire four times to represent the four basic goals of Hindu life:

Dharma - moral sense to lead a good life

Artha - prosperity

Kama - energy and passion

Moksha - liberation through self-realization

Rahul leads Riya for the first three feras. Riya leads Rahul on the fourth and final fera, signifying balance in their marriage. Riya’s brothers, Digant and Nehal, on behalf of all Riya’s brothers, will place puja offerings in Riya and Rahul’s hands for the couple to offer to the agni while taking each fera. Upon completing their feras, tradition says the first person to take their seat will be the ruler of the household!

Kansar Bhojan

Riya and Rahul feed each other sweets to symbolize the sweet life they will create for one another.

Sindhur/ Mangal Sutra/ Ring Exchange

As a symbol of their bond, Rahul puts sindhur on Riya’s hairline, symbolizing her as a married woman. He also puts a mangal sutra (golden necklace) on her. The black beads on the necklace signify protection from evil power and are believed to protect their married life. Riya and Rahul also exchange wedding rings.

Sapt Padi - Seven Steps

This ritual is the most important in a Hindu wedding ceremony. Riya and Rahul take seven steps together to symbolize the beginning of their journey together. Each step they take represents a vow they are taking, as they receive blessings from the priest and everyone present.

After their seven steps together, Riya and Rahul's marriage is now recognized in their Hindu faith!

Sapt Peddhi Sabandhan (Union of Seven Generations)

The priest performs this ceremony with the parents from both sides. During this ceremony, the families are united as one family, and will be considered the same family for the next seven generations.

Celebrating their Union

Ashirvad

Riya and Rahul seek blessings from the priest and their parents, relatives, and friends for a happily married life together.

Vidai

Riya throws rice over her head as an agreement to unite their families for seven generations. Rahul and Riya leave the mandap as husband and wife! It’s all happiness and celebration from here on out. Everyone get ready to party!