A Hindu Wedding: 14 Customs to Keep in Mind

The Hindu wedding ceremony is a stunning example of how old customs, brilliant colours, and sacred rituals can harmoniously coexist. Not only does each ceremony represent the union of two persons, but it also represents the merger of their families and communities. These ceremonies have their origins in traditions that date back hundreds of years. The following is a list of fourteen significant Hindu wedding traditions that are typically practiced.

1. The Puja of Ganesh
The Ganesh Puja is typically the first part of the wedding festivities. During this ritual, Lord Ganesha, who is known for his ability to remove barriers, is asked to bestow blessings upon the couple and ensure that the wedding goes off without a hitch. In most cases, the groom and his family will be the ones to lead this prayer, which serves as a sign of a holy and purely religious beginning to the event.

2. The Ceremony of Mehendi
The Mehendi ceremony is a happy pre-wedding tradition that involves the application of elaborate henna drawings on the hands and feet of the bride at the beginning of the ceremony. Mehendi is a symbol of beauty, and it is thought that the darker the henna stain, the more fortunate it is for the bride at the time of the ceremony. This event is frequently attended by members of the family and friends.

3. The Ceremony of Haldi
The bride and groom are given a paste consisting of turmeric, sandalwood, and other substances during the Haldi ritual. This paste is applied to the both of them by their respective families. It is believed that turmeric, which is thought to be purifying, will cleanse them and get them ready for their new life together. Their skin will also have a natural glow as a result of this.

It is Kanyadaan.
An important part of the Kanyadaan ceremony is when the father of the bride presents his daughter to the groom. When the father places the bride's hands into the hands of the groom, he is indicating that the responsibility has been transferred. When it comes to the wedding, it is one of the most significant and emotionally charged rites.

Fifth, Vivah Homa
The sacred fire rite known as the Vivah Homa is performed by the couple in order to enlist the presence of Agni, the fire deity, as a witness to their marriage. As the pair embarks on their new life together, this represents the couple's dedication to one another, their purity, and the blessings of the divine source.

6. Jaimala, also known as the exchange of garlands
As part of the Jaimala ritual, the bride and groom exchange flower garlands, which serves as a symbolic representation of their acceptance of one other as life partners. This gesture is a charming and light-hearted approach to show the love and respect that both parties have for one another.

Mangal Phera, also known as "Circling the Sacred Fire,"
While participating in the Mangal Phera, the couple will make seven complete circuits around the sacred fire, with each circuit reflecting a promise that they have made to one another. These vows represent their shared commitment to living a life that is characterised by love, fidelity, respect, and spiritual development.

Eighth, the Saptapadi, or Seven Steps
When the bride and groom participate in the Saptapadi, they take seven symbolic steps together. Each of these steps represents a holy vow that they have made for a successful marriage. At each stage, they make a commitment to each other to share responsibilities, to remain faithful, to care for their family, and to provide support to one another along the journey of life.

Sindoor and Mangalsutra are the ninth
Vermilion powder, known as sindoor, is applied by the groom to the parting of the bride's hair, which is a symbolic representation of the bride's married status. In addition to that, he wraps the mangalsutra, which is a prayer necklace, around her neck. The sindoor and the mangalsutra are both ways that a woman might make her marriage evident to others.

10. Ashirwad (Blessings) Following the completion of the rites, the newlywed couple proceeds to seek the blessings of their elders. These seniors give their prayers for a marriage that is filled with joy, prosperity, and longevity. In order to show their respect for the elders, the pair bows down to them.

Vidaai, which means "Farewell"
During the Vidaai, the bride says her goodbyes to her family as she prepares to embark on a new life with the groom. This is an emotional ritual. A blessing is bestowed upon the bride by her family for a joyful married life, and this moment represents the change that she is making from her parents' home to the home of her husband.

12: The reception
In most cases, a reception is thrown in honour of the newlyweds immediately after the wedding ceremony. This is a joyous occasion where friends, family, and guests come together to offer their congratulations, bestow blessings, and celebrate the newlyweds with music, dance, and food.

Pani Grahan, number thirteen
In the ceremony known as Pani Grahan, the groom is shown holding the hand of the bride, which is a symbol of his acceptance of her and his promise to accompany her through all stages of life. It is a symbol of his commitment to safeguard and cherish her throughout their married life together.

14. The Aarti and the Farewell
The Aarti is a ceremony in which the family bestows a lamp upon the bride and groom as a sign of blessing them. This lamp is meant to represent the burning away of any negative energy and the illumination of their road together. The final departure signifies the conclusion of the wedding ceremonies and the beginning of the couple's new life together as husband and wife of the marriage.