Indian Weddings

Indian wedding culture is a unique process while compared to other countries. It reflects the heritage of Indian people and their rituals. It is not only a ritual but it gathers family, friends and relatives from various places and it gives happiness to all.

Pre-Wedding Ceremonies:

An Indian wedding is not a one-day event. Rather, it is a series of religious and cultural rituals that take place over several days. Pre-wedding ceremonies typically begin with an engagement ceremony known as a sagai or chika ceremony. It is a small gathering of friends and relatives where the bride and groom exchange rings and bless each other.

The mehndi ceremony, also known as henna, is the next pre-wedding ceremony. It is a female-oriented event where female families gather to decorate their hands and feet with elaborate henna designs. The purpose of mehndi ceremonies is to adorn the bride and bring good luck and luck to her upcoming marriage.

The Sangeet event is an evening of music and dance. This is the most anticipated pre-wedding. The bride and groom's families gather to dance, sing and share stories. It is a fun event for both families, and the bride and groom also perform a special dance.

Wedding Day Rituals:

The main event of an Indian wedding is the wedding day, when the bride and groom exchange vows and become one. The wedding ceremony begins with the baraat, a grand procession in which the groom and his family arrive at the bride's home or wedding venue. The groom sits on a decorated horse with his family and friends and dances to the music of a traditional band.

The bride and groom then engage in a Kanyadan ceremony where the father of the bride gives her to the groom. This ceremony symbolizes her father's trust that the groom will care for and support her daughter. The groom then ties her sacred necklace, the mangalsutra, around the bride's neck and applies sindoor, a red powder, to the bride's forehead to signify her marital status and devotion to her husband.

Post-Wedding Ceremonies:

Indian weddings don't end on the wedding day. Indeed, the festivities continue for several days after the wedding. The first ceremony after the wedding is the Bidai ceremony where the bride bids farewell to her family and leaves for her husband's home. It is a moving ceremony in which the bride leaves her family and starts a new life with her husband.

The Griha Pravesh ceremony is the next ceremony to mark the entry of the bride into her new home with her husband. She is welcomed by the new family and a puja or religious ceremony is held to bless the new couple and their home.

Different wedding culture in Indian States:

Each state in India has its unique wedding customs, rituals, and traditions that make the Indian wedding culture incredibly rich and diverse.

1. Punjabi Wedding:

Punjabi weddings are renowned for their lively and lavish celebrations. A wedding ceremony usually begins with a miraculous ceremony in which the bride's maternal uncle presents the bride with a set of red and cream colored bracelets. The groom then arrives by horse or decorated car and the bride's family greets him with a stone and bhangra dance. The wedding ceremony is held at the Gurudwara followed by a joyous Anand Karaj ceremony.

2.Gujarati Wedding:

Gujarati weddings are known for their colorful and lavish decorations. The wedding ceremony begins with an engagement ceremony where the groom's family presents traditional sarees, jewelry and sweets to the bride. The main wedding ceremony is called "Mandap Muhurat" or mandap or an auspicious moment held under the wedding canopy. The bride and groom then exchange vows and rings, and the wedding ceremony ends with the couple making seven laps around the sacred fire.

3.Maharashtrian Wedding:

Maharashtra weddings are simple yet elegant. The pre-wedding ceremony begins with the Sakhar Puda ceremony where the groom's family offers sugar and clothes to the bride as a symbol of acceptance. The wedding ceremony is held under the mandap decorated with flowers and lights. The bride and groom exchange garlands and the groom ties the Mangal Sutra around the bride's neck. A wedding ceremony ends with the couple making seven vows promising to be life partners for each other.

4.Tamil Wedding:

Tamil weddings are a blend of ancient Vedic traditions and modern customs. The pre-wedding ceremony begins with the Nandi ceremony, in which the bride and groom seek blessings from Lord Ganesha. The wedding ceremony takes place under a mandap decorated with coconut leaves and flowers. The bride's father gives her daughter's hand to the groom, who then ties her mangal sutra around her neck. The wedding ceremony ends with the couple exchanging garlands and receiving blessings from the elders.

5.Bengali Wedding:

Bengali weddings are known for their glitz and glamour. The pre-wedding ceremony begins with the Aay Budo Bhaat ceremony where the bride and groom share a traditional meal with their families. The wedding ceremony is held under the mandap decorated with flowers and lights. The bride and groom exchange garlands and the wedding ceremony ends with the couple making seven vows and offering the sacred prasadam to each other.

6.Kerala Wedding:

Weddings in Kerala are simple yet elegant. Pre-wedding ceremonies include an engagement ceremony where beggars and the groom's family present traditional sarees, jewelry and sweets to the bride. The wedding is celebrated in the temple, where the bride and groom exchange garlands and make seven vows around a sacred fire. The groom ties the Mangal Sutra around the neck of the bride, and concludes her wedding ceremony with the blessings of the elders.

In conclusion, weddings in India are a blend of traditions, cultures and customs. This is a celebration of a new beginning where two people come together to start a new life. The customs and traditions associated with weddings in India have been passed down from generation to generation and have stood the test of time. They reflect the country's rich cultural heritage and the values ​​of family, community and celebration. Some rituals have changed over time, but the essence of Indian wedding culture remains the same.

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20/UCEA/154 - Anusha