Hindu ceremony
Order of events
1
Baraat (Groom's parade)
The wedding day kicks off with the groom on a ghodi (white mare) parading into the wedding with his family, high-energy with music and dancing. Â
2
Milni (families meet)
The bride's family greets the baraat, with the family members meeting and exchanging garlands.Â
3
Var pooja (groom's prayer)
The priest performs a prayer for the groom, signifiyng the bride's family accepting the groom.Â
4
Kanya aagman (bride's welcome)
The arrival of the bride to the mandap for the wedding rituals. She is escorted by her Mum's family.Â
5
Jai mala (exchanging garlands)
The bride arrives and the couple exchange fresh flower garlands to show their acceptance of one another. They take their places in the mandap for the ceremony.
6
Kanya puja (bride's prayer)
The priest performs a prayer for the bride, marking the beginning of her transition to married life.Â
7
Kanya daan (giving away the bride)
The bride's palm is placed on the groom's palm by her father, signifying he is giving his daughter's hand in marriage and passing her to a new family.Â
8
Gadhbandhan (the "i dos")
The ends of the couples' scarves are tied together by the groom's side to symbolise the joining of their lives. The couple hold hands and accept each other as husband and wife.Â
9
Hawan and phera (wedding vows)
The bride and groom circle the fire and take their first steps as a married couple. They take 7 rounds of the fire for each of the 7 vows.Â
10
Mangalsutra (sign of marriage)
The groom puts the mangalsutra (black beaded necklace) on the bride and sindoor (vermillon) in her hair parting, as symbols of her becoming a married woman.Â
11
Ashirwaad
Following the ceremony, the parents and the crowd are invited to bless the couple. They offer shagan (symbolic gifts or monetary blessings) to the couple for their propsperous future.Â