Friday, November 21, 2008

Hindu Marriage Rituals - Hindu Wedding Rituals - Hindu Marriage Customs/Traditions


Hindu Marriage Rituals - Hindu Wedding Rituals - Hindu Marriage Customs/Traditions

There are various rituals and customs involved in a Hindu Wedding (Marriage) in India. Check out Hindu Wedding Rituals and Customs.

Hindu Marriage Rituals - Hindu marriage comprises of many rituals and customs each having an important significance of its own. From selection procedure, engagement to main wedding, the whole family participates joyfully in the whole wedding. The selection is done not only by the bride and bridegroom but their respective families as well. The engagement and wedding is fixed on an auspicious date as decided by the priest.

Engagement function is the first function and is also known as ring ceremony. The engagement rituals and customs differ from region to region and community to community. During the function the couple exchange the rings followed by a lavish feast and dance. The next ritual is Mehendi in which beautiful designs of henna are painted on bride’s hands. The function is mainly attended by close relatives and friends. Music is an indispensable part of the evening. The color of Henna depicts the bride’s love for her husband. Sangeet is an important ceremony in the wedding and involves singing and dancing throughout the night. It is a grand affair especially in Punjabi and Gujarati families. There are arrangements for food and drinks.

The main wedding day rituals are The Baraat, Jaimala, Kanyadaan, Mangla Sutra, saat phere, Aashirwaad and Vidaai, all lasting for several hours. Baraat is a procession in which the groom arrives on a mare with guests and family members dancing on the tunes of music bands. The Baraat is received by the bride’s family. During Jaimala, the couple exchange garlands as a sign of accepting each other. Kanyadan is another important ceremony in which the bride’s parents offer their daughter in marriage facilitating the couple union. Mangalsutra is a sacred thread necklace calsped by groom to the neck of bride. Saat phere is the most important ritual, each phera indicating exchange of a marital vow. In Aashirwaad ceremony the bridegroom’s father bless the couple. Vidaai is the last ceremony when the bride leaves her home to join her in-laws. There are some post wedding functions as well such as Grihaparvesh and Muhdikhai. The customs and traditions vary and depends totally on the region and religion.

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