Hindu wedding rituals profoundly significant for every Hindu.
Namaste!
Welcome to the world of delightful readings at www.onindianpath.com. Today, let’s read about the different and interesting wedding Rituals of India.
Introduction
Hindu weddings are indeed a profound union that extends beyond just the bride and groom. They symbolize the coming together of two families, with each bringing its own unique traditions, opinions and perspectives. This fusion of families is one of the reasons why Hindu weddings are considered a significant and joyous event, often celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence.
What is Hindu Wedding?
Hindu wedding rituals are known for their vibrant colors, intricate traditions and profound spiritual significance. These ceremonies are not just a union of two individuals but also a confluence of families and cultures, often celebrated with grandeur and vivacity. As mentioned in my previous blog on 16 sanskara of Hinduism, Panigrah Sanskara or Vivah Sanskara is one of the most important sanskara followed by almost every hindu.
The world was astonished to see the cultural extravaganza of the big Indian wedding at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding in Mumbai, India. Apparently, the rituals and ceremonies are quite common in all the Indian wedding. Many of you might not be aware of the rituals and their significance. Let’s discuss them here.
What are the Elements of a Hindu Wedding rituals?
There are rituals divided into three parts :
- Pre-Wedding
- Wedding and
- Post Wedding
What are Pre Wedding Rituals?
Our Indian weddings are part and parcel of 4-9 days long affair, due to vibrant rituals and splendid celebrations. There are rituals which takes place before the wedding. Unlike West, peers and family, extended family and freinds join the fun to make it lifetime celebrations.
a) Engagement (Sagai) is the official announcement of the couple’s intention to marry. Families exchange gifts and the bride and groom often receive bessings from elders. However, it is given diferent names in different ethnicity like sagai, mangni, nischitartham, Roka, Kudmai, SakhaPuda, God ki rasam etc. In modern times, couple are cutting cakes and even exchanging rings on this day.
In my wedding saga, it was called God ki rasam, where my Mother in law and sister in law gave me gifts, sweets, clothes and Solah Shringaar as part of the ritual. Althouh, there may be gap of months or years between engagement and wedding. We, Indians respect our elders and parents the most. For every auspicious occasion, we place thapa first at our home with rituals. Thapa is a pictorial representations of our ancestors. Although, it is beleived that they come and stay till the end of marriage for betterment and completing all tasks without any delay or hindrance.
To buy Thapa online, click here.
b) Haldi Function is one of the prime function before wedding. Actually, this ritual is performed by both the sides, groom and bride. Here, the ubtan made of Haldi (Indian turmeric) is applied to both, to make them shine on their D day. With advent of time, this ritual has become a trendy celebrations including DJ floor, partying and playing with Holi colours by both the families and members.
c) Mehndi function is another important ritual where Mehndi or Henna is applied on the hands of bride and groom. Likewise, this ritual has taken form of grand celebrations with themed clothing, dancing, ladies Sangeet and much more.
What are Wedding Rituals?
Infact, most celebrated and hyped function and rituals are performed on the days of wedding in most of the geographical region.
a) Baraat is the happening gala of Indian wedding. Although, it is like groom’s friends and family dancing, enjoying singing and moving towards the house of bride. The groom’s procession to the wedding venue is a lively affair, with music, dancing and celebration. The groom typically arrives on a horse or in a decorated car.
b) Second in the row is Varmala or Jaimala (Garland Exchange). The bride and groom exchange flower garlands, symbolizing their acceptance of each other. In this ritual, there is lot of fun and flee during exchange of Varmala.
We at Baniya Family, there is another ritual before Saat fere, called khet khilana. Here, the father of bride gifts clothes, jewellery and shagun ka lifafa (cash) to the groom.
c) Then comes Kanyadaan. As the word suggest daan of kanya, means giving away the girl(kanya) to groom by bride’s family. When the bride’s father gives her away to the groom, entrusting her future to his care. This is one of the most emotional moments in the ceremony of Indian wedding. As per Indian sacred text, Kanyadaan is the biggest daan for a hindu family. And, it is considered fortunate act to perform Kanyadaan.
d) One must have witness the quintessential part of Indian wedding even in Bollywood movies is Saat fere. Here, Saat fere or Mangal fere refers to the 7 rounds around the Havana Agni (sacred fire) taken by bride and groom.
Particularly, the couple walks around a sacred fire (Agni) seven times, making vows to support and love each other. This moment is often accompanied by the chanting of Vedic mantras that invoke blessings for the couple’s prosperous and harmonious life together. These vows are known as Saat Vachan of Hind marriage rituals. Moreover, these saat vachan (seven vows) were taken by Lord Rama with his consort Goddess Sita on their wedding at Janakpuri (Nepal).
Moreover, each round signifies a promise, such as
- nourishment (arrangenment of food for the family)
- strength (symbolising Shakti)
- prosperity (managing all the harmony of home)
- love (happy relations)
- progeny (giving birth to the child)
- health
- lifelong friendship ( binding to each other for lifetime)
What are Post Wedding Ritual?
Further, there are rituals that complete the wedding saga. Here is a list of a few of them:
a) After saat fere, when bride bids farewell to her family in a tearful way, it is called Vidaai. This is the most emotional moments for every person present there. With this sentimental moment, father of bride sends her with groom with hopeful departure to her new home.
b) After the Vidaai, the bride and groom come to the groom’s house. Upon arrival, the bride is welcomed by her in-laws in a ritual called Grih Pravesh. She kicks a Kalash (a pot of rice) inside the house, symbolizing prosperity and abundance as she enters her new home. After that, she is made to enter the house with Kumkum-wale Paer (feet coloured with vermilion). This ritual signifies treating the daughter-in-law as the personification of Goddess Lakshmi. She is asked to dip her feet in vermilion water and then enter the house, leaving footprints of kumkum. This Wedding Ritual is common at most areas of India.
c) Lastly, there is the Muhdikhai ritual. The word itself explains its meaning: “Muhdikhai” means showing the bride’s face to everyone. As per old customs, the daughter-in-law used to cover her face with a ghunghat to protect herself from negative energies. When she enters her new home, she is asked to sit in the main hall with her husband and reveal her face.
Furthermore, in this wedding ritual,People come to see her and bring gifts. In contemporary times, this ritual has evolved into the Reception. A grand celebration follows, where the newlyweds are introduced to freinds and extended family. This event is filled with music, dance and feasting.
Symbolism and Significance in wedding rituals
Additionally, there are few elements which are must for every wedding. These elements are significant part of wedding rituals.
- Sacred Fire (Agni): The fire is considered a witness to the marriage vows, symbolizing purity and divine presence.
- Sindoor and Mangalsutra: The groom applies sindoor (vermilion) to the bride’s forehead and ties a mangalsutra (sacred necklace) around her neck, marking her status as a married woman.
- The Knot (Gath Bandhan): The couple’s garments are tied together, symbolizing their union and mutual commitment.
Conclusion
Hence, Hindu weddings are community events where relatives and friends come together to celebrate, strengthening social ties. Not only bride and groom preserve age-old traditions, passing them down to future generations but also embark on a new journey, learning to balance responsibilities and nurture a partnership built on love and respect.
Hence, Hindu weddings are a beautiful amalgamation of rituals, emotions and celebrations. They are a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing the country’s diversity and the profound spiritual essence that binds people together. The rituals and sanskaras associated with Hindu weddings emphasize the importance of family unity, mutual respect, and shared responsibilities.
About Author
