A wedding is a ceremony where two people are affiliated in marriage. Wedding not only brings the couples together, but also brings two families closer. Indian wedding is a fiesta of ceremonies & rituals which includes multi-days events of many joyful and  elaborated ceremonies, such as mehndi, sangeet, tilak, etc. All precious memories of such events or ceremonies have to be captured & saved in lively way.

Here are few Enchanting Rituals of Traditional Indian Wedding

Tilak Ceremony

It is a commencement of the marriage alliance begins from this ceremony itself. Tilak ceremony is an auspicious mark on forehead using Kumkum, a red turmeric powder with rice. As the Muhurt for Tilak approaches, the members of bride’s side tilak the groom’s forehead endows him and his family with gifts in the form of fruits, sweets & clothes, flowers, etc. In return the groom’s family also gives them gifts.

Engagement Ceremony

Engagement is also known as Mangni or Sagai. The ceremony should be held on a day in the “bright half” of the northern course of the sun. The engagement ceremony is essentially brief ritual wherein the couple exchanges gold rings. Generally the date of the marriage is also decided & confirmed at this ceremony.

Sangeet Ceremony

The Sangeet is a time for celebrating, singing, dancing and joking. It is a perfect time for wedding guest to meet and get to know each other. The bridal & grooms party dance or performs on songs. Traditional Indian instrument Dholki (a two-sided drum) is often used in the ceremony. Once the celebration comes to an end, guest enjoys beautiful hor d’oeuvres and sweet dishes.

Mehndi Ceremony

This ceremony usually takes place three days before the wedding. During the ceremony, turmeric paste is applied on a bride’s face, feet & hands. After this, a skilled mehndi expert applies Mehndi on bride’s hands, arms, feet and legs. Some people believe, the darker the colour of the Mehndi, the more her husband will love her.

Varmala Ceremony

This is one of the most awaited moments of the wedding ceremony. The couple exchanges garlands as a gesture of acceptance of one another & a pledge to respect one another as partners.

Mandap Ceremony/ Seven Vows Ceremony

All the significant rituals are performed during the mandap ceremony. Mandap Ceremony usually takes place at the bride’s house or otherwise it is held at the wedding venue. The bride & groom walk seven steps together to reiterate their aspirations of their married life. Number of rituals conducted such as Saat Phere, Kanyadan, Maang baharai, etc.

Reception Ceremony

It is celebrated just after the mandap ceremony. It is the first public appearance of the newlywed couple after their marriage. Reception parties are arranging with sumptuous food to treat the guest, accomplished by good music & ambience to add to the zing.

Vidaai Ceremony

Vidaai is a post wedding ceremony, which takes place after the wedding rituals are completed. It’s time for the bride to leave her house. This comes out as the most painful moment of all. Before crossing the doorstep, bride throws back three handfuls of rice and coins over her head into the house, symbolizes that the bride is repaying her parents for all that they have given her so far.

 

Marriages in India are a mainstay in the social calendar of the whole community. A traditional wedding is full of meaningful rituals, symbolizing the beauty of the relationship of husband & wife.