The 7 Steps of a passe Hindu Wedding
Indian weddings celebrate marriage as a sacrament (Sanskara) . Hindu weddings lay emphasis on 3 values, happiness, harmony and growth. Hindu weddings are partially conducted in Sanskrit, however the local language can also be extinct as many people do not understand Sanskrit.
Before marriage there will be an engagement ceremony (Mangni) which is organised at the bride's region or a banquet hall. The family of bride and groom approach together to celebrate the forth coming wedding ceremony. Both the families exchange gifts and sweets, jewelry and clothing. A ring ceremony (Misri) is then done to solemnise the engagement ceremony. A lunch or a dinner is organised for all members at the ceremony. Among Gujarati families the bride's family presents the Matli (toothsome snacks and Indian sweets) to the groom.
Other ceremonies include Mehndi Party which is well-known by the bride's family. It includes Henna paintings on hands and feet of the Bride and discontinuance family members. Mehndi signifies strength of care for in marriage.
Raas Garba is famed by Gujaratis often held in a hall which involves dancing with Dandia (Garba) .
On the eve of the wedding a religious ceremony called Ghari Puja takes situation. The priest performs prayers with rice, coconut, wheat grains, oil, betel nuts and turmeric. People often combine the Ghari Puja with the Pithi (Cleansing ceremony) which involves the bride and groom being covered in turmeric powder.
The Wedding Ceremony.
The major stages of the wedding include Ganesh Puja, Grah Shanti, The Welcome (Parchan), Arrival of the bride, Kanyadaan, Ganthibandhan, Agni Puja, Shilarohana, Laja homa, Mangalfera, Saptapadi, Saubhagya Chinha, Haridaya-Sparsha, Chathurthi Karma, Aashirvaad, Viddai and Pilucinchuanu.
The Saptapardi is when the bride and groom wander seven steps together to signify the beginning of their gallop through life together. Each step represents a marital vow:
1st step: To respect and honor each other
2nd step: To allotment each other's joy and sorrow
3rd step: To trust and be dependable to each other
4th step: To cultivate appreciation for knowledge, values, sacrifice and service
5th step: To reconfirm their divulge of purity, treasure family duties and spiritual growth
6th step: To follow principles of Dharma (righteousness)
7th step: To nurture an eternal bond of friendship and love
The Mandap ceremony holds a lot of importance on the day of the wedding. This is because all the famous rituals are performed during the mandap ceremony.
The four pillars of the mandap signify the parents on both sides. All the rituals during the mandap ceremony are performed in front of the sacred fire and hymns recited by the priest, from Vedas. As the mandap stage takes center stage many people hire out a Mandap which compliment the decor of the venue. Madap Hire companies provide customised designs for mandaps, with some splendid floral decorations and matching table decor, foyer displays and ornaments.
