RITUALS AND CUSTOM
Vara Satkaarah:
This refers to the reception accorded to the bridegroom and his kinsmen at the entrance of the wedding venue where the groom receives blessings from the bride's mother who applies a tilak of vermilion and turmeric powder on his forehead.
Madhuparka Ceremony:
The groom is accorded another welcome, this time by the father of the bride at the wedding mandap.
Kanya Dan:
One of the most purest sacrifices ever, the bride's father gives away his daughter to the groom to the accompaniment of chanting of sacred mantras.
Vivah-Homa:
The sacred fire ceremony is kindled by the priest presiding over the marriage ritual to ensure the commencement of all auspicious activities.
Pani-Grahan:
The bride's right hand is placed in the groom's left hand whereby he accepts her as his lawfully wedded wife.
Pratigna-Karan:
With the bride leading, the couple walks around the sacred fire while taking vows of loyalty, steadfast love and life-long fidelity to each other.
Shila Arohan:
The mother of the bride assists her to step onto a stone slab and counsels her to prepare herself for a new life.
Laja-Homah:
The couple offer puffed rice into the sacred fire as a symbol of offering to the Fire God, whereby the bride stands in front of the groom and keeps her palms over those of the groom.
Parikrama/ Pradakshina/ Mangal Fera:
The most important aspect of a Hindu wedding ceremony, taking these seven rounds around the sacred fire legalizes the marriage according to the Hindu Marriage Act as well as traditional customs.
Saptapadi:
Saptapadi indicates the seven steps taken by the couple that represent nourishment, strength, prosperity, happiness, progeny, long life and harmony and understanding, respectively. This is done after the groom's scarf has been tied to the bride's dress.
Abhishek:
Abhishek entails sprinkling of water, meditating on the sun and the pole star by the couple.
Anna Praashan:
The couple gives oblations in the fire and then feed a morsel to each other as an expression of their mutual love and affection.
Aashirvadah:
The couple receives blessings from all the elders in the family who wish them a successful married life
The picture shows the brides and the groom are sitting together while completing the rituals that are required in the wedding
The bride and the groom after the wedding ceremony
The groom are trying to put on jewelry onto her bride forehead
