I was recently invited to attend a Hindu wedding ceremony. Having never experienced a non-Christian wedding, he was excited about the event. On the surface, it was very different from other weddings I’ve been to, but I think the focus on unity and love is universal across many cultures. I would like to share my experience.

The ceremony began in the morning with the separation of the bride and groom. The bride’s family and friends gathered in one area, while we were escorted outside with the groom and his family and friends. A beautiful and ornate arch was built in front of a side door of the hotel. We all gathered around her as the groom participated in the rituals that prepared him for the ceremony. The rituals included some members of the bride’s family, as well as the Hindu priest.

After the rituals were complete, we all walked through the archway to the hotel. Personally, I found this part particularly moving, as the groom’s family and friends participated in the ceremony rather than just watching.

Next, we entered the ballroom where the main ceremony would take place. We sat in rows in front of a large stage that was beautifully decorated, and they gave us programs so that we could follow the ceremony. Each one can be different, so this ceremony is not an example of all the ceremonies, but it gives you an idea of ​​what one can be like.

The Hindu Wedding Ceremony

The Hindu wedding ceremony is a long and elaborate ceremony, with each step rooted in Vedic tradition, signifying various aspects of life that will follow after the wedding. The mandap -a canopy or marriage stage- is decorated with flowers and with a fire as witness, the Hindu wedding ceremony begins.

Var Aagman (The Arrival of the Groom)

The groom arrives at the wedding with his family and everyone is greeted by the bride’s family. The mother of the bride then performs a welcoming ritual and leads the groom to the mandap.

Ganesh Pooja (Worshiping Lord Ganesh)

The wedding ceremony begins by offering a prayer to Lord Ganesh. Lord Ganesh is worshiped so that he can remove all obstacles by blessing the bride and groom.

Kayna Aagman (The Arrival of the Bride)

The bride is escorted down the aisle to the mandap by her maternal uncles upon her arrival. The bride’s father takes her hand and drives her mad. Her bride and groom are separated by the antarpat (curtain), which is lowered once the Mahraj (priest) invokes a prayer for the couple.

Kanya Daan & Hastamilap (Giving the Bride)

In the Hindu religion, the Kanya Dann is considered the most important offering made by the parents of a bride. The Kanya Daan symbolizes the bride in the form of Goddess Laxmi and her groom as Lord Narayana. Here the bride’s family shows the act of giving.

Jaimala (Exchange of garlands)

At this time, the bride and groom exchange garlands of fresh flowers, signifying that they accept each other and promise mutual respect as partners in life.

Mangalpheras (Circle of Holy Fire)

During the Mangalpheras, the couple circles the sacred fire four times with their wedding scarves tied together. The brothers of the bride are also called to participate in the ceremony. The four circles symbolize the four basic human goals of Dharma, Artha, Karma and Moksha.

Dharma – Religion and Ethics

Artha – Wealth and Prosperity

Karma – Love, Fertility and Family

Moksha – Spiritual liberation and salvation

Saptapadi (Seven Vows)

The bride and groom seek God’s blessing as they take seven sacred vows together:

1. We will respect each other.

2. We will take care of each other.

3. We will be patient with each other.

4. We will be honest and faithful to each other.

5. We will be together in pain and in joy.

6. We will travel this journey of life with love and harmony.

7. We will keep our family happy, healthy and strong.

Kansar Bhakshan (First meal together)

Kansar Bhakshan is the couple’s first meal together. The bride and groom offer each other Kansar to symbolize their union. Kansar is a sweet made from shredded wheat, sugar, and ghee.

Mangal Sutra, Sindoor (Sacred Necklace)

The Mangal Sutra is a sacred necklace made of black beads that the groom ties around the bride’s neck. This symbolizes her marriage. The groom then applies sindoor to the center part of the bride’s hair as a promise to fulfill all of her wishes.

Akhand Saubhagyavati (Blessings)

Married women from the family of the bride and the family of the groom come and bless the bride by whispering “Akhand Saubhagyavati” in her ear, which means “Good luck, prosperity and a long and happy life”.

Ashrivaad (First blessing as husband and wife)

The wedding is now over and the Maharaj, along with the parents and elders of the bride and groom’s families, offer blessings for a long and happy married life. The bride and groom bow to touch the feet of the Maharaj and the elders of his family as a form of worship known in Hindu ceremony.

Vidai (Farewell to the bride)

The Vidai is one of the most emotional parts of the ceremony. Now that the bride and groom are married, he says goodbye to his family. He throws a handful of rice behind his shoulder wishing his childhood home happiness and prosperity.

What struck me the most about the ceremony was that during all the previous steps, the atmosphere of the ceremony remained light-hearted and cheerful. The Hindu priest joked and laughed during some of the steps, while family and friends laughed and applauded. While there was a definite feeling of reverence and sacredness, everyone was also smiling. It was also a very happy occasion.

I am very glad that I had the opportunity to attend this event and learn about the sacred ceremony of another culture. I found it very attractive to non-Hindus and was happy to participate in the ceremony.