Jain Wedding

The Land and the People

Jain weddings are held by the Jain community. Jains live mainly in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. Many also live in big cities and in countries like the USA and the UK. The Jains follow the teachings of the Tirthankaras, who are great teachers of the Jain faith. Two important teachers are Lord Mahavira and Lord Parshvanatha.

Jain weddings follow the ideas of non-violence and simple living. The community believes in kindness to all living beings, and this shows in the food and the rituals. The customs are mixed with common North and West Indian wedding customs. The result is a wedding that is colourful but also gentle and pure.

How Long the Wedding Lasts

A Jain wedding usually takes two to four days. Weddings are not usually held during Chaturmas, the four rainy months of the year. During Chaturmas, many Jains follow special rules of prayer and fasting, so they avoid big functions. Most weddings are held in the months outside this period.

Before the Wedding

The families first agree on the match, and a Lagna Patrika, or wedding letter, is written. The Lagna Patrika is a formal letter that names the couple and the date of the wedding. It is written by a priest and is shared between the two families. It is a sign that the families have agreed.

Mandap Muhurat is a puja to invite blessings for the wedding. The family holds a puja at home, and a pole for the wedding stage is set up. Prayers are said for a smooth and happy wedding.

Haldi, or Pithi, and Mehndi are held in the days before the wedding. In Pithi, turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom. In Mehndi, henna designs are drawn on the hands of the bride and the women of the family. Sangeet is a night of songs and dance for the two families. The relatives perform dances, and the evening is full of laughter and love.

The Wedding Day

On the wedding day, the groom arrives in a Barat, and the families meet in Milni. The Barat comes with music and dance, but it is usually gentle and never rude or harmful to others. The elders of both sides hug and exchange gifts in the Milni.

The couple exchanges garlands in Jaimala. The bride and groom smile and bow to each other as a sign of respect. The priest chants mantras during Kanyadaan and the seven steps. The seven steps are taken around a sacred fire or a holy lamp as per the family tradition. Some Jain families do not use fire because of the idea of non-violence, and they use a lamp instead.

The couple takes blessings from elders and prays to the Tirthankaras. They may also visit a Jain temple. The family gives thanks for the day, and the couple asks for a life of peace, honesty and kindness.

Clothes and Jewelry

The bride wears a red or a bright lehenga, and the groom wears a sherwani. The bride wears gold jewelry, and her hands are full of henna and bangles. The groom’s turban and the garland give him a royal look. The clothes are rich but not too showy.

Food, Music and Fun

The wedding food is pure vegetarian. Many Jain families do not use onion, garlic and root vegetables in the feast. Root vegetables like potato, carrot and radish are avoided, because pulling them out may harm tiny living things in the soil. Some families also finish the feast before sunset. The chefs create tasty dishes using other vegetables, lentils, spices and milk products. There are many kinds of sweets and snacks. The music and dance are lively, but the mood stays calm and kind. A Jain wedding is a graceful blend of joy and gentle values.