Detailed Guide to Traditional Indian Wedding Rituals and Ceremonies
If you have ever visited or planned a Hindu wedding, then the possibility is that you have adequate awareness about the lively and culture-rich traditions and celebrations of Indian weddings. Hindu weddings are understood for their culturally lively vibe. They’re planned with all the minute details and are full of energy from the very first point till the very final. The main essence of an Indian wedding ceremony is the physical, spiritual, and emotional union of two people who love each other. Additionally. It is also about the coming together of two families through prayer and celebration. In this blog, we will look at some popular Indian traditions and ceremonies that are often executed in a typical Indian wedding.
Top 10 Traditional Indian Wedding Customs
Top 10 Traditional Indian Wedding Rituals and Ceremonies
Here is a list of top traditions and ceremonies that are executed in Indian or Hindu weddings:
1. Lagna Patrika
Indian Wedding ceremonies begin with pre-wedding traditions and the first tradition is said to be the Lagna Patrika or engagement ceremony. During this ceremony, the couple announces their wedding date with a written promise. The priest writes down the marriage details and family names by using sacred symbols like ‘om’, ‘swastika’, and ‘Kalash’ to highlight the importance of the event.
2. Roka Ceremony
Once the wedding date is set, the next celebration is the Roka or Tilak Ceremony. This involves a small prayer where the couple receives blessings from their elders. The bride is draped in a red chunni, and both families give gifts to the couple. Sometimes, the couple exchanges rings. However, a separate ring ceremony is also common.
3. Mehndi Function
The first main event of the wedding festivities is the Mehndi function which is usually held a day before the wedding. Here, the bride’s friends and family gather to apply henna designs to her hands and feet which often go to her elbows and knees. Many women present also decorate their hands with mehndi. The detailed patterns symbolize beauty and good luck. It is also believed that the darker designs signify a strong bond between the bride and groom.
4. Haldi Ceremony
Another pre-wedding ceremony is the Haldi or Pithi ceremony in which turmeric paste and rose water are applied to the couple. This yellow paste is applied to cleanse and brighten their skin before the wedding and also to bring good luck. It’s a lively occasion where both families dress in orange and yellow dresses.
5. Baraat
The baraat is basically a groom’s entrance and is a festive tradition filled with dancing and music. The groom often arrives on a horse, elephant, or maybe a fancy car, and is greeted and welcomed warmly by the bride’s family. It is one of the most happening traditions in the entire Indian wedding.
6. Milni
Milni is a welcoming ritual that takes place when the baraat arrives, involving hugs and the exchange of garlands and sweets between the families.
7. Jaimala
At the Jaimala, the couple exchanges flower garlands which are known as varmala or jaimala. This symbolizes their union. This moment is often made more entertaining by friends and family who playfully make the exchange challenging. Usually, the bride places her garland on the groom first, which symbolizes her acceptance.
8. Joota Chupai
A fun tradition is executed at the Indian weddings known as Joota Chupai. The tradition of Joota Chupai involves the bride’s family hiding the groom’s shoes when he arrives at the ceremony. He has to offer gifts or money to receive the shoes back.
9. Kanyadaan
A deeply emotional part of the ceremony is Kanyadaan which means “giving away the daughter.” In this ritual, the bride’s parents hand her over to the groom for life. This ceremony symbolizes the union of two divine figures in Hindu beliefs. This moment is significant and heartfelt for both the couple and their families.
10. Bidaai
After exchanging vows and taking seven rounds around a sacred fire (pheras), the couple takes blessings from their elders. The wedding involves a tradition of Bidaai where the bride bids farewell to her family. This ritual represents her transition to a new life. As she leaves, she throws rice or flower petals back at her parents to express gratitude for their care. She performs this gesture five times to showcase her appreciation as she moves forward with her new family.
Conclusion
Hindu wedding rituals and practices may vary in every society but the all-around rules and necessary rituals are pretty much the exact. Moreover, partners nowadays are extremely aware of their older traditions while also embracing or altering specific rituals that are more appropriate for the time and era. Honestly, the main purpose of any Indian wedding is to cherish the marriage of a couple like a whole festival.
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