The traditional Hindu wedding ceremony follows Indian religious rites whereby two souls come together in a spiritual, mental, and physical bond. This bond also creates a tie between two families for generations to come. The ceremony will be performed in Sanskrit, the language of the Vedas, the sacred scripture of the Hindus. The ceremony is to follow the Baraat, a celebratory wedding procession for the groom with music and dancing. Viktoria's family will welcome Michael and his family with flower garlands and Aarti (a blessing with sacred water). Viktoria's father will escort Michael to the mandap.

~Ganesh Pooja~

The ceremony begins with worshipping Lord Ganesh, the destroyer of all obstacles and the embodiment of peace, friendship, and happiness. Michael, his parents, and Viktoria's parents will be seated in the Mandap and the priest will guide them in offering flowers and prayers to Lord Ganesh.

~Antarpata~

The antarpata is a curtain held in front of Michael as Viktoria is escorted down the aisle by her parents. The curtain signifies that the two are independent individuals about to become united in harmony.

~Kanya Agamana~

Viktoria is brought to the Mandap in a procession. Once she is there, the screen will drop. Michael and Viktoria will exchange floral garlands, signifying the unification of their hearts and souls. It is said that whoever is able to don the garland first will wear the pants in the marriage.

~KanyaDaana~

According to Vedic scriptures, the offering of a daughter's hand in marriage is considered the greatest gift a mother and father may give. Viktoria's parents will place her hands in Michael's, requesting him to accept their daughter as his wife and to make her is equal partner. By joining hands, Viktoria and Michael make a lifelong commitment to support each other in their journey through life.

~Mangalya Dharana~

Michael ties a mangala sutra, a sacred black beaded necklace, around Viktoria's neck with three knots. These knots represent love, affection, and companionship. He then applies kumkum on her forehead. These two offerings signify that their lives are eternally bound.

~Vivah Homa~

A small fire in the center of the Mandap represents Lord Agni, God of Fire. This sacred fire symbolizes not only the illumination of mind, knowledge and happiness, but also the divine presence as a witness to the ceremony. The priest offers prayers and offerings to Agni, who represents light, power, and purity.

~Brahma Gantu~

Viktoria and Michael's clothes are joined in a matrimonial knot, symbolizing the sacred and permanent union between husband and wife. They will remain tied together for the rest of the ceremony.

~Agni Pradakshane~

Viktoria and Michael pray for future prosperity and happiness by circling around the sacred fire. The circles represent Dharma (universal truth), Artha (prosperity), Kama (passion), and Moksha (liberation).

~SaptaPadi~

Viktoria and Michael take seven steps together. It is said in Hindu philosophy that two people who walk seven steps together will remain lifelong friends.

1. Together we will live with respect for one another.

2. Together we will develop mental, physical, and spiritual balance.

3. Together we will prosper, acquire wealth and share our accomplishments.

4. Together we will acquire happiness, harmony, and knowledge through mutual love.

5. Together we will raise strong, healthy, and virtuous children.

6. Together we will be faithful to one another and exercise self-restraint and longevity.

7. Together we will remain lifelong partners, best friends, and achieve salvation.

~Arundhati Darshana~

Michael points out the stars "Arundhati" and "Vasishta" to Viktoria. Arundhati is the wife of Vashista Maharishi and is exemplified as the ideal wife- the embodiment of charity. Vasishta attained immortality through single-minded devotion and perseverance. This is symbolic of the notion that such virtues are to be emulated throughout married life.

~Aarti~

The ceremony closes with the Aarti, which involves lighting a flame on a silver tray. The circular motions of the flame symbolize the removal of evil from the path of the couple.

~Aashirvaada~

Viktoria and Michael bow in front of their parents to receive their blessings. The priest and family members bless the couple by showering them with rice and flower petals.

We would like to thank you all for being here to celebrate our union and from traveling both near and far. We would like to especially thank our parents for their support over the years- without your patience, love, and guidance we would not be the people that we are today.

With love,

Viktoria and Michael