Hindu Weddings

Hindu Weddings

Hindu weddings are a part of the Indian culture and are celebrated with much enthusiasm and fanfare. Typical Indian weddings last for up to three days and involve various customs and traditions that symbolise the union of two families. Throughout the wedding ceremony, family and friends of the couple share in their joy and help the wedding couple to embark on this new journey of life.

Pre-Wedding Rituals

Prior to the main wedding event, there are several customs and rituals that take place. These pre-wedding rituals include:

• Engagement Ceremony: The engagement ceremony marks the beginning of the wedding. This ceremony usually involves song and dance and both parties exchange gifts.
• Haldi Ceremony: In this ceremony, turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom. It signifies auspiciousness and prosperity.
• Mehendi Ceremony: In this ceremony, the hands and feet of the bride are decorated with henna.

Actual Wedding Rituals

The actual wedding day is full of ceremonies that are significant to all Hindus. There is a large gathering of family, friends and important guests to witness the wedding rituals. The wedding day ceremony includes the following rituals:

• Kashi Yatra: This is a ceremony in which the groom pretends to leave for the city of Benaras. His departure is stopped and he is asked to accept the bride.
• Madhuparka: This is a ceremonial bath of honey and yogurt that is performed before the wedding.
• Jaimala: In this ritual, the bride and groom exchange garlands to signify the acceptance of each other.
• Kanyadaan: This ritual is an emotional one where the bride’s father gives her away to the groom symbolising his blessing and trust.
• Saptapadi: In this ritual, the couple takes seven steps together signifying the journey of the new life they are embarking on.

Hindu weddings are full of joy and exuberance and are usually celebrated for several days. The rituals that take place during the ceremony are symbols of the commitment the bride and groom make to each other and their families.