Indian Hindu weddings follow customs that are thousands of years old. These traditions bring two souls and two families together. Here are the important wedding traditions explained simply.
Kanyadaan
Kanyadaan means giving away the daughter. It is one of the most important and emotional traditions of a Hindu wedding. The bride’s father places her hand in the groom’s hand. The bride’s mother pours water over their hands while the priest chants mantras. The father asks the groom to love and take care of his daughter. The groom promises to do so. Parents see this as a sacred duty and a gift of love. It is a very emotional moment for the bride’s family. Some families today change this ritual so that both parents take part in blessing the couple.
Mangalsutra
The mangalsutra is a sacred necklace that the groom ties around the bride’s neck during the wedding. It is made of black and gold beads with a gold or diamond pendant. The word mangalsutra means holy thread. The black beads are believed to protect the couple from the evil eye. It is the sign of marriage for a Hindu woman. Most married women wear it every day. In South India, a similar necklace is called the Thali. The design of the necklace is different in each region. It stands for love, trust and a promise to stay together.
Seven Vows
The seven vows are also called Saptapadi. The bride and groom take seven steps together around the sacred fire. Each step is a promise to each other. The promises are about food, strength, wealth, happiness, family, a long life and friendship. The priest reads each vow, and the couple repeats it. Often, the groom’s scarf is tied to the bride’s dress to show that they are now joined. Hindus believe that the marriage is complete after the seventh step. They also believe that the bond of marriage lasts for seven lifetimes.
Solah Shringar
Solah Shringar means the sixteen adornments of a bride. These items make the bride look complete and beautiful. They usually include a bindi, sindoor, maang tikka, kajal, nose ring, earrings and necklace. Other items are mehndi, bangles, armlets, a waist belt, anklets and toe rings. Flowers in the hair, perfume and the bridal dress are also part of the list. The list can be a little different in each region. Each adornment has its own meaning. Many of them are also signs of a married woman. Together, they make the bride shine on her special day.
Wedding Barat
The Barat is the wedding procession of the groom. It goes from the groom’s home to the wedding venue. The groom arrives on a decorated horse, in a decorated car, or sometimes even on an elephant. Family and friends walk with him and dance to the beat of the dhol and a band. It is one of the most fun and colorful parts of the wedding. When the Barat reaches the venue, the bride’s family welcomes it with music and flowers. The two families meet in a ceremony called Milni and exchange garlands and gifts. Then the groom is taken to the mandap.