Indian Wedding Ceremony
The Indian wedding ceremony is a long and elaborate ceremony, conducted mostly in
Sanskrit, with every step rooted in Vedic tradition. The ceremony is conducted under a
mandap (canopy) with a fire as witness.
Baraat and Var Puja: Groom’s Parade and Welcoming of the Groom
The wedding events kick off when Nilesh and his family and friends arrive to the ceremony
in a procession called the baraat, with music and dancing. Anne’s parents greet Nilesh and
Anne’s mother places kumkum (red vermilion powder), signifying good luck, on his
forehead and then performs welcome rituals and gives her blessings.
Nilesh is then asked to break the sampat (earthen pot) filled with ghee (melted butter) and
cottonseeds. The pot represents the world; the contents within symbolize the different
experiences the couple will encounter in their life together.
Nilesh is then escorted to the mandap where he awaits Anne’s arrival.
Ganesh Puja: Invocation of Lord Ganesh
The wedding ceremony begins by offering a prayer to Lord Ganesh asking that all obstacles
be removed on Anne and Nilesh’s path to happiness.
Kanya Aagman: The Bride’s Arrival
Anne is escorted down the aisle to the mandap. The couple is separated by an antarpat
(curtain) while Nilesh’s mother, Anila, sings the mangalashtak. Afterwards, the antarpat is
lowered and Anne and Nilesh can see each other for the first time.
Jaimala: Exchanging of Garlands
The couple exchange fresh flower garlands to signify their acceptance of one another and to
pledge their respect for one another as partners in life.
Kanya Praktikaran and Hasta Melap: Presentation of the Bride and Joining of Hands
Anne’s parents place her into Nilesh’s. Anne’s parents remind the couple to regard each
other as equal partners throughout life. The ends of scarves worn by Anne and Nilesh are
tied together. A sacred cord, called a varmala, is placed around the couple, symbolizing their
union.
Mangalpheras: Circling of the Holy Fire
During the mangalpheras, the couple circles the holy fire four times. The four circles
symbolize the four goals of dharma, artha, karma, and moksha.
Dharma: Moral sense to lead a good life
Artha: Prosperity
Karma: Energy and passion
Moksha: Liberation through self-realization
Saptapadi: Seven Steps
Nilesh helps Anne touch her toe to seven betelnuts to represent the promises they are
making to each other:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Share in the responsibility of the home
Fill our hearts with strength and courage
Prosper and share our worldly goods
Fill our hearts with love, peace, happiness, and spiritual values
Be blessed with loving children
Attain self-restraint and longevity
Be best friends and eternal partners
Sindoor and Mangalsutra
Nilesh applies sindoor (red powder) in the part of the Anne’s hair as a promise to fulfill her
every wish (Wait, what?!). Nilesh ties the mangalsutra, a necklace made from black beads,
around Anne’s neck as a symbol of their marriage.
Kansar Bhakshan: First Meal Together
The bride's mother brings the couple sweets (kansar). Kansar bhakshan is the couple's first
meal together.
Akhand Saubhagyavati: Blessings
Married women from the couple's families come and bless the couple by offering words of
wisdom.
Ashirvaad: First Blessing as Husband and Wife
The priest declares the couple as husband and wife and blesses the newlyweds. He asks the
congregation to join him in showering the couple with good wishes. The couple then seeks
blessings from family and friends as the ceremony concludes.