Indian weddings have many rituals. Each ritual has a special meaning and brings the two families closer. Here are the main wedding rituals explained in simple words.
Tilak Ceremony
The Tilak ceremony is one of the first rituals of an Indian wedding. The bride’s father and brothers visit the groom’s home for this ceremony. They apply a tilak of vermilion or sandalwood paste on the groom’s forehead. They also give him gifts such as clothes, sweets, dry fruits and money. The tilak shows that the groom is welcomed into the bride’s family. The groom’s family blesses the match with joy. In the past, this ceremony was held about one month before the wedding. Today, many families hold it a few days before the wedding, or along with the engagement. The ceremony ends with sweets and a family meal.
Engagement Ceremony
The engagement ceremony is also called Sagai or the Ring Ceremony. This is when both families formally agree to the marriage. The bride and groom exchange rings in front of family and friends. Elders bless the couple and give gifts, sweets and clothes. A priest often picks a lucky wedding date at this time. Every region has its own name and style for this ceremony. In Bihar it is called Cheka, and in Maharashtra it is called Sakhar Puda. In Sakhar Puda, both families feed each other sugar to celebrate the union. Today, many couples also hold a big party with music and dinner.
Sangeet Ceremony
The word Sangeet means music. It is a fun evening of songs and dance before the wedding. In the old days, the women of the family sat together with a dholak and sang folk wedding songs. The songs teased the bride and groom and wished them a happy life. Some songs were about the bride leaving her parents’ home. Today, both families join in, and the party often has dance shows, skits and a DJ. This ceremony helps the two families get to know each other. Everyone wears bright clothes and enjoys good food. It is usually held one or two days before the wedding.
Mehndi Ceremony
Mehndi is a paste made from henna leaves. On this day, beautiful designs are drawn on the bride’s hands and feet. The designs often have flowers, peacocks and paisley shapes. The groom’s name is often hidden inside the design. Many people believe that a darker mehndi color means more love in the marriage. Henna also keeps the body cool, which is helpful before a busy wedding. Women of the family and friends also apply mehndi. They sing, dance and enjoy the day together. This ceremony is usually held one or two days before the wedding.
Var Mala Ceremony
The Var Mala ceremony is also called Jaimala. It is the ceremony where the bride and groom exchange flower garlands. It takes place on the wedding day, when the groom arrives at the venue. The bride’s family welcomes the groom first. Then the bride and groom put garlands around each other’s necks. This shows that they accept each other with love and respect. Friends and family often play fun games during this moment. Everyone cheers and showers flower petals on the couple. After this, the couple goes to the mandap for the main rituals.
Mandap Ceremony
The mandap is a decorated canopy where the main wedding rituals take place. It is usually decorated with flowers, leaves, cloth and lights. A sacred fire is lit at the center of the mandap. The fire is seen as a witness to the marriage. Many important rituals happen here, such as Kanyadaan, the rounds around the fire, and the seven vows. The priest chants mantras from the Vedas during the ceremony. Close family members sit around the mandap and watch. The ceremony ends with blessings from the elders. It can last for a few hours.
Vidai Ceremony
Vidai is the farewell ceremony after the wedding. The bride leaves her parents’ home to start her new life with her husband. It is one of the most emotional moments of the wedding. The bride throws handfuls of rice over her shoulders as she leaves. This shows her thanks to her parents and her wish for their home to always be full. Her brothers or relatives help her walk to the car. Family members hug her and say goodbye with tears and blessings. When she reaches the groom’s home, she is welcomed with special rituals.
Reception Ceremony
The reception is a grand party held after the wedding. It is usually hosted by the groom’s family. This is a special exception, because the bride’s family usually hosts the wedding itself. The reception introduces the newly married couple to relatives, friends and colleagues. Guests bless the couple, give gifts and take photos with them. The bride and groom wear beautiful outfits and sit on a decorated stage. There is a big meal, along with music and dancing. The reception marks the happy start of the couple’s married life.