Hindu Wedding Ceremony
Hindu wedding ceremony has many wedding rituals that are followed in India. Here you discuss one of the wedding rituals that is followed in Maharashtra. Hindu wedding ceremony usually takes place in the morning. Hindu wedding ceremony has various phases.
Once boy and girl turn a age that is suitable for marriage, their parents start looking for compatible match from families of their standard. Now days, boy and girl find themselves and only both parties meet to know each other. Then horoscope of both bride and groom are shown to family Brahman. When horoscope of boy and girl is matched, the wedding preparations start. Both parties meet to discuss and decide about the wedding ceremony including auspicious date and time (muhurt) and location of the event.
Sakharpuda (engagement ceremony) normally takes place a day or two before wedding. In this packet of sugar is exchanged as token of sweetness. Groom's family also present a saree to bride.Kelwan is organized to worship family god (kuldevta) at bride's and groom's house two days before wedding. Meal is organized for friends and relatives.
Haldi ceremony takes place a day before wedding. In this ceremony, bribe is offered blouse piece and coconut and then haldi (turmeric) paste is applied on her body to clear her skin. At groom's house, haldi (turmeric) paste is also applied on his body.
On the day of wedding, bride's parent greets groom and his parent by washing their feet. This function is called seeman pooja. Gifts are given to groom by is brides parent which include ring, watch and gold chain.In actual wedding, bride's mama (uncle) brings her in mandap. An antarpat (silk shawl) is held in between bride and groom so that they can not see each other. Eight series of matnras are invoked for various gods. After each mantra, pandit recites 'shubh mangal savdhan' and crowd throws akshada (rice) on the bride and groom. After last mantra, bride and groom exchange garlands.
Groom decides to enter in life of householder with sankalp procedue. Bride and groom takes blessings from elders. They are gifted with clothes, jewelry. Both parties greets each other.
Kanyadan is a ritual in which bride's father put her hand in groom's hand which means bride's father offer her daughter to groom. Groom touches right shoulder of bride in acceptance. Then groom tights mangalsutra around the neck of bride. Then vivah home is performed. In this, fire is lit by pandit. Groom then take container of ghee and pour spoonful into fire as a sacrifice of prajapati.
A ritual called sapatapadi is performed next in which bride and groom walk together seven steps. While walking groom takes the left hand of bride in his right hand and they have to step on heap of rice at every step. This is a symbol of exchanging vows. Karmasamapti, this ritual is symbol of concluding the ceremony. After this, a feast is arranged for all. Reception is normally held in the evening. Groom and bride are welcomed by groom's mother at his house. Bride enters in house by kicking glass of rice. They enter in house with right foot first. This ritual is called grihapravesh.
Depending on customs, many other rituals are performed in hindu wedding ceremony.