The Shaadi
What is the "Panigrahana Hathleva" & "Gathabandhan " ? (Hindu Wedding Ceremony)
The bride’s and groom’s hands are tied together. The priest invokes Lord Ganesha at the auspicious mahurat and puts a coin and mehndi in the round empty spot in the bride’s palm. Gathabandhan signifies the sacred wedding knot where the groom’s kurta is tied to the bride’s chunari.
What is the significance of "Kanyadaan"? (Hindu Wedding Ceremony)
During kanyadaan, the bride’s parents give their daughter away in marriage. The groom makes three promises – to be just (dharma), earn sufficiently to support his family, (artha) and love his wife (kama). He repeats these vows thrice in the presence of Agni (the sacred fire) and all who are gathered there.
What's the role of maternal uncles in "Mamara"? (Hindu Wedding Ceremony)
The mama or maternal uncle in both families arrives with his family and is welcomed with much fanfare. This ceremony is called mamara. Traditionally, mamas have great significance amongst Hindu families. Some communities including Muslims have the practice of marrying nieces to their maternal uncles.
What is the "Barni Bandhwana" function all about? (Hindu Pre-Wedding Ceremony)
Some 15 days before the wedding, the pandit designates an auspicious day to perform a puja to invoke Lord Ganesha who is supposed to remove all obstacles so that the marriage can be strong and free of obstacles. Barni Bandhwana is a puja during which a piece of thread or mauli is tied to the hands of the groom and his parents.
Can you tell me more about the "Engagement Ceremony"? (Hindu Pre-Wedding Ceremony)
Known as Mangni, Misri, Asirbad or simply the ring ceremony, engagement is supposed to show loyalty and commitment to getting married. Both families agree to a wedding date that can be scheduled any time in the future. The families either give their word that is called vagdana or agree in writing that is in the form of a lagan patra.
What are the Pujas and their symbolism that are performed when bride enters the groom’s house? (Hindu Wedding Ceremony)
Praying to Lord Rama and Sita are considered auspicious on this occasion. As soon as the bride arrives, the groom’s sister or aunt mix salt and water and sprinkle on the couple to ward off the ‘evil eye’. Then the pot of water is broken. The bride steps on red vermilion mixed with milk and walks in leaving imprints of her footsteps.
What can a bride do to reduce her anxiety as she enters the groom’s house? (Hindu Wedding Ceremony)
Another big occasion when the eyes of the neighborhood stay peeled open is when the bride enters her new home. Quite daunting since you don’t know what to expect – the household rhythm, systems and arrangement are totally new.
What is the "Vidaii"? (Hindu Wedding Ceremony)
Vidaii is when the bride is formally sent to the groom’s household. It can get quite emotional even for the most stonehearted. Many heart-wrenching songs have immortalized this moment when the bride leaves her ‘babul ka ghar’ or father’s house. The bridesmaids should always have a bunch of tissues to hand.
For wedding outside India, how should the "The Wedding Program" be written?
For an Indian marriage held outside of India, a printed Wedding Program is a helpful guide for guests. The wedding ceremony program should contain the main steps and descriptions of the wedding. The program should include the traditions that are specific to the families of the bride and groom.Read more »
