A Hindu wedding is like a celebration of the senses. From the lively pre-wedding preparations to ancient rituals, bright colors and oriental food, an Indian wedding is a unique experience, ideal for spiritual couples, but also for those who are fascinated by Indian culture.
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1. Hindu wedding ceremony steps: Ancient rituals and spiritual practices
Indian weddings are bright and full of charm, but they are also planned under well-established rituals. A wedding can last up to a few days, during which the groom and the bride will be visited by hundreds of guests. Even today, most of the marriages are still arranged, although in the last two decades more and more young people have chosen to take this decision on their own, finding this tradition obsolete.
Many of the customs of an Indian wedding will be found in the Hindu, Sikh and even Muslim religions. A wedding will be preceded by a series of ceremonies and rituals that will continue for a few days and even after the wedding.
- Pre-wedding rituals
Rokka is the ceremony in which the boy and the girl commit to a marriage and will not consider any other marriage proposals in the future. This ritual is followed by an exchange of gifts;
Mangni is the ceremony when the boy’s family goes to the girl’s family with jewelry and other gifts in order to confirm the engagement;
Dholki is a high profile event that could last for several days and is usually organized in a banquet hall, where the lady guests sing traditional songs;
Mehndi is a ceremony that can take place either at the bride or the groom. The bride and other ladies are drawing henna patterns on their hands and feet;
Garba is held the night before the wedding and involves a lot of dancing. This ritual offers the opportunity for the two families to meet and have fun together before the actual wedding;
Griha Shanti is a ritual led by a Pandit – a Hindu priest who has the role of choosing the date and time of the wedding by reading the horoscopes of the future newlyweds. Ancient prayers are performed by the members of the two families and their relatives for the future couple to live a happy and fulfilling life;
- Wedding day rituals
Baraat is a custom that represents the groom’s procession with his family and friends to the ceremony site. Many grooms choose to attend the ceremony on a horse or in a chariot;
Ponkyu is the official start of the wedding. The groom is received by his mother-in-law at the entrance;
Jaimala is a beautiful tradition that involves exchanging garlands and holding hands for the first time;
Hasta Milap – the groom’s scarf is tied to the bride’s dress, a ritual that symbolizes the union of their souls. Relatives will sing, pray and give blessings to the couple by throwing rice or rose petals;
Mangal Pheras is the moment of the sacred fire, when the newlyweds have to walk around the fire four times, representing the basic human purposes – Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. The priest chants prayers and the groom recites them. As a funny element, the couple must race back to their seats – it is said that the one who arrives first will be the head of the family.
The ceremony ends with the Ashirwaad ritual, in which the bride and groom ask for their elder’s blessings.
2. Modern hindu wedding ceremony – Themes for your inspiration
Even if traditional weddings are still performed around India, many modern couples have chosen to break the rules and bring their own vision to their wedding day. A modern Indian wedding is a combination of timeless customs, spiritual practices and contemporary elements. If you are a fan of India’s wedding culture, then you might enjoy these charming themes:
- Wedding on the beach
If you want to have a Hindu wedding, then the beach-themed ceremony is the ideal choice for you! And that doesn’t mean you have to be on an Indian beach – you can choose other destinations to organize an oriental wedding, such as Thailand, Bora Bora or Dubai. The colorful decors, charming outfits and timeless rituals will blend perfectly with the tropical sky, warm sand and turquoise water.
- Bollywood mood
This kind of theme will bring your wedding to the level of an entertaining show, which can include dynamic dances, glamorous outfits and dramatic decorations. Also, the newlyweds can perform scenes from their favorite Bollywood movies or elaborate dance routines, along with their guests.
- Goa experience
If you want to have a special wedding in India, then Goa is the place for you – from North to South, this destination is beyond fascination. The Southern part is perfect for a unique experience – luxurious resorts, beautiful gardens, palm trees, clear water pools and the dreamy beaches of the Arabian Sea. These elements are perfect for both a traditional or modern Hindu wedding.
A Hindu wedding is represented by a series of symbols and rituals, which symbolize the groom’s journey through all possible life experiences. Loaded with spirituality, these ancient traditions have remained ingrained in Indian culture and continue to fascinate an entire world through the opulence, songs, explosion of color and dynamism of all involved.
So, if you are fascinated by the Hindu culture and you have been following a more spiritual path, a Hindu-themed wedding could be the perfect choice for you! Let us take care of every detail and organize your dream ceremony with care for the sacred rituals that have meaning for you – ask for an offer and start your wedding journey now!
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