A wedding in India
A wedding is a wonderful occasion to explore other cultures and plan something unusual. Indian wedding have always been a a source of inspiration for many brides. These ceremonies are full of rituals, traditions and colors.
In the traditional Hindu ceremony, a wedding can last for days and each of them have a special meaning, understood by priest. The ceremony begins with the Menhi ceremony the day before the wedding. Henna is applied on hands and feet of women as skin decorations and for blessing the bride.
Traditionally, the ceremony is held at the bride’s family place. On the wedding day, the groom arrives to the venue riding a decorated horse or elephant along with his family and guests in a procession. He is dressed in a sherwani (long jacket extended to the knees) and churidars (trousers) and a turban. The bride wears a red or white and red sari, and beautiful accessories and jewellery.
As in western weddings, the groom arrives first and led to a small stage where he waits for the bride. Meanwhile, he is greeted by the brides relatives. The bride is then brought to the stage and exchanges garlands with the groom which is the symbol of acceptance of each other as husband and wife.
Another step of the wedding is the Pratigna Karan, the couple walk around the fire while taking solemn vows of loyalty and life long fidelity to each other. Then they will have to puff rice rice offered as oblations into the sacred fire. Then comes the Parikrama or Pradakshina or Mangal Fera: the couple have to circle the sacred fire seven times which legalizes the marriage.
Here is a video of Indian wedding with all the wedding ceremony steps:
