Wedding Ceremonies in Hinduism
The universal wedding is known as the Vedic marriage, named after the Vedas (holy book). However, there are regional variations with their different traditions so see our individual ceremonies below for more specific information. The groom arrives with his wedding party (baarat) and is received by the family (milni). Some brides greet their groom by garlanding him (jayamala) after their mother has already done so (aarati.
Moving inside the temple, the priest calls for Ganesha's blessing for success (Ganesh Puja) followed by the Navgraha prayer (asking the blessing of all of the planets for peace and wealth). The uncle and the sisters walk the bride to the mendap (wedding tent) where the father performs kanya danam (handing over ceremony). By spreading turmeric on her hands, she acknowledge the change in status from a single woman and daughter to a wife. The father then places the brides dyed hand in the groom's where he holds it as a symbol of their everlasting love. By pouring out some of the sacred water, the father 'washes his hands' of the bride and gives her away at which point the groom recites Vedic hymns to the God of love asking for the blessing of pure love. To prove that he is worthy, the groom must promise the father three times to help you realise dharma (enlightenment), artha (wealth) and kama (true love), great achievements in the Hindu world.
To symbolise the union, the priest ties the garments (your veil to your groom's shawl) while the bride and the groom stand facing each other (Gath Bandham) before they exchange garlands and rings.
The marriage fire, representing the divine witness as well as sanctifying the ceremony, is lit and they perform the Offering of the Parched Grain, a sacrifice of food for the sake of prosperity. Your brother, or another male relative, pours the grain into your hand signifying his continuing support. Looking at the groom, the bride says:
"This grain I spill. May it bring to me well-being and unite you to me. May Agni hear us."
At this point the male relative knocks her so that she spills the grain into the fire and says:
"This woman scattering grain into the fire, prays: Blessings on my husband. May my relatives be prosperous. Svaha!"
