Perfect sequence of an Indian wedding ceremony
There is nothing like the perfect sequence of the events in an Indian wedding ceremony but the directional flow of certain events is guided by the Hindu mythology.
Fixing the dates:
There is nothing like the prefect sequence of the events in an Indian wedding ceremony but the directional flow of certain events is guided by the Hindu mythology. The Date is fixed according to the 'muhurta' or the auspicious time which is decided much before the wedding.
The calculation for the right dates of all the events is a quite complex task and is generally performed by the astrologers who see the position of the stars and the heavenly bodies and find the best suited date for the couple according to their birth dates. The perfect match also depends on their ancestral clan (The gotra) from which they both belong. In the Hindu mythology it's said that the brahmins have evolved the system of gotras so it's believed that the Brahmins have the perfect knowledge of the same. In the Hindu rule book, The
Manu-smriti it's said that the couple with the same Gotra can't marry.
Engagement Ceremony:
Engagement ceremony is considered as one of the most important pre-wedding ceremony not only in Hindu religion but in other religions as well. In this occasion only close relatives and friends of both the families are invited to attend the puja. Fathers of both Bride and Groom pray for the well being of their children and subsequently announce the formal wedding of their children to the invited guests. Engagement ceremony often takes place few
months prior to the day of the wedding. The bride and the groom then exchange rings to solidify their engagement.
Mehndi Ceremony:
It's the day when the Bride applies henna on her hands and legs as mehndi or henna is associated with positive spirits or good luck. Indian Wedding tradition calls for a Mehndi ceremony to be held the night before the wedding as a way of wishing the bride good health and prosperity as she makes her journey on to marriage and she would be starting a whole new life with her partner. Mehndi ceremony is often associated with songs and dance performances performed around the Bride so that she could enjoy the day without feeling bored of sitting long hours till her mehndi gets done. In some parts of the country the Groom also applies henna on his hands.
Sangeet ceremony:
Sangeet night is celebrated to strengthen the thrill of the marriage celebrations. It unites the
family members from both the sides and people sing folk songs, crack jokes, dance and party joyfully celebrating the upcoming reunion of families. Indian marriages may be teased for doing considerable and fat, but the enjoyment portion connected is unique. Traditionally, folk melodies and ceremonial tune were performed, which is now succeeded chiefly with Bollywood songs and has been developed more conveniently. In modern-day Sangeet function, particular themes are included. Each family members wear following the assigned
theme and more sing the songs subsequently.
The auspicious wedding day:
This is the most awaited day and is called the BIG DAY in an Indian wedding ceremony in which the wedding takes place in a mandap where certain rituals and puja take place under the guidance of a pujari/Brahmin who recites the mantras and the process continues. This starts with the ritual of Ganesh Puja. Parents of both bride and the groom are involved in the rituals. The mandap over which the puja takes place is very often decorated with floral garlands and fabrics all around to beautify the memorable occasion.
A fire is lit in the middle of the mandap as a witness to the sacred wedding ceremony. All other rituals are carried out subsequently by the pandit, offerings are made by the couple, the brother of the bride then wishes his sister a happy married life ahead by giving her three handfuls of puffed rice. The Bride is then directed each time by the pandit to drop the rice on
to the fire after reciting certain mantras for the long life and well being of her husband. This offering of puffed rice to the fire by the Bride for her husband is called 'Laaja Homam'.
Then comes the fun event of exchanging garlands by the Bride and the Groom. This event is called as the Jai mala. This event signifies that they are getting married to each other. To make it a bit playful and little enjoyable, friends and relatives of both Bride and Groom lift them and they are asked to exchange their garlands right up in the air.
Kanyadaan:
Kanyadaan means "Giving away the bride". This event is solely carried out by the Bride's father, in which he pours water over his daughter's hand which symbolises that he gave her hand to the boy to whom she is getting married (her husband). The bride’s father places the hands of his daughter into the hands of the groom as it symbolizes that he gives her away. Kanyadaan is a very important ritual as it is believed that kanyadaan purifies the parents' of the bride of all their sins (even those that they might have committed in their previous births).
Saat Phere:
The saat phere is one of the most important features of the Hindu Wedding, involving seven rounds around a sacred fire lit for the purpose amidst the Vedic mantras. This ritual is followed differently in different parts of the country. In North India, they tie the clothes of the Bride and the Groom and they are made to walk and complete seven rounds around the sacred fire being lit in the middle of the mandap. But in South India, the couple walk seven steps together for the same ritual. This is conducted to enrich the friendship between the couple which is considered as the base of the wedding ceremony.
Sindoor Daan(Sindoor bharai):
As per Hindu mythology the bride and the groom take the positions of Goddess Laxmi & Lord Vishnu during their wedding and are treated likewise. In this ritual the Groom applies vermillion over the head of the Bride which signifies that she is now married. From that day onwards it is prescribed to the Bride to wear sindoor every single day as it is believed
that this practice will save her husband from all the evil powers around him. Subsequently the Groom places a mangal-sutra (A black beaded necklace) to beautify the Bride.
Vidaai:
It is a form of a farewell ceremony organized by the family of the bride to officially bid farewell to their daughter as she leaves for her marital home. In this ritual the Bride pays the debt to her parents by throwing three fistfuls of rice along with coins for carefully taking care of her till the day of her marriage. The newly weds are then welcomed by the mother of the Groom.
The Bride then displaces a container full of rice with her feet which signifies that she would be the Lakshmi in her house and would deliver health and well being in her family. The Bride then wets her feet in a mixture of sindoor water and walks on the floor which leaves her footprints behind as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi has arrived in the house.
Reception:
The very next day after the Vidaai, a grand feast is arranged by the Groom's family. It is a party conducted for the hospitality of the guests who have attended the wedding.
The rich cultural heritage is beautifully displayed in an Indian wedding ceremony.
Comments