Sequential order of Shefali and Pratik’s wedding ceremony:

Baraat:

The groom surrounded by his family and friends arrive at the wedding venue, dancing to music, merry making and showing off their dance moves. This signifies the arrival of the groom and his family.

Varbediyu and Ponkhna Ceremony:

The bride’s sister welcomes the groom with a colorful pot on her head. She will apply a tilak on his forehead. Then she will ask for a gift from the groom before letting him into the venue. The groom is also welcomed with a tilak on the forehead by the bride's mother, followed by a brief welcoming ceremony and teasing of the groom. This signifies the acceptance of the groom by the bride’s family. The bride's father and mother welcome the groom's family and lead them to the mandap.

Navkaar Mantra and Ganesh Puja:

This ceremony begins with a chanting of the Navkaar mantra followed by puja (prayer) to Lord Ganesh who is the remover of all obstacles and a symbol of good luck and fortune. This puja is done by the brides’ parents.

Antarpat and Kanya Agaman/Entry of the bride:

An antarpat(veil) is held in front of the groom to keep him from seeing the bride prior to the bride’s entrance to the mandap. The antarpat signifies the separation of the bride and groom from the outside world, symbolizing the privacy and sanctity of their relationship. The bride makes her grand entrance with her maternal uncles and is escorted down the aisle by her parents to meet the groom at the mandap.

Jai Mala and Granthi Bandhan:

The bride and groom exchange flower garlands to signify choosing each other as

lifelong partners. The groom's scarf is tied to the bride’s veil signifying a sacred marital bond.

A cotton cord is placed around the couple’s necks to symbolize their union.

Hastamelap and Kanya Daan:

The brides’ parents place the bride’s right hand into the groom's right hand, uniting them and entrusting the groom to care for her and protect her. The couple’s hands are filled with betel nuts, coins and rice to signify unity and happiness.

Agni Puja and Mangal Phera:

The agni(holy fire) is lit to dispel darkness and ignorance. The sacred fire signifies purity and a source of universal energy. The bride and groom complete four pheras(circles around the fire) to symbolize the four basic goals of human life. Before each phera, the bride’s brother will fill her hand with rice and flowers as a commitment to always protect her. A myth suggests that whoever sits first at the end of the fourth circle will rule the household.

Kansar and Akhand Saubhagya:

The bride and groom feed sweets to each other to symbolize they will share whatever they get in life and make a commitment of mutual care. Next several married women from both families whisper blessings in the bride’s ear.

Saptapadi:

The bride and groom take seven steps together. Each step signifies a vow that they promise to uphold together.

1. You promise to provide each other with the good things of life: food, physical and emotional nourishment and wealth. So, all your basic needs are fulfilled.

2. You promise to look after each other, praying for each other’s physical and mental health and strength. So, there is someone to take care of you at all times.

3. You promise to foster affection and liking towards each other. So, you feel cherished and loved, enabling you to become a better person.

4. You promise to be lifelong companions. So, in good and bad times, you are not alone.

5. You promise to grow together in thought and in action. So, you find a common path amidst differing outlooks.

6. You promise to look after your children, family and society, ensuring their prosperity together. So, with your union, everyone benefits.

7. Finally, you promise to adopt a noble bent of mind, leading a sacred and spiritual life in union. So, you both agree to walk the philosophical and spiritual path in life.

Mangal Sutra & Sindoor:

The groom ties a mangal sutra(sacred necklace) around the brides neck and also applies sindoor(a red powder) in the parting of her hair to signify his commitment to her and to cherish and protect her. The wedding bands are exchanged as well.

Aashirwad:

The newlyweds seek the blessings of the priest, their parents and elders and are showered with flowers as blessings for a happy and healthy marriage.

Vidaai:

The bride's family bids her farewell among tears of joy and sadness. The bride's parents wish for their daughter's good health, wealth, happiness and prosperity in her married life.