"May God bless the Bride and the Groom With longlife, vigour, brightness and prosperity And a prominent place in the world."
The Hindu marriage is a life long promise between a man and a woman taken in the presence of a sacred fire and an assembly of family and friends.
Baraat - The groom arrives on a horse in the form of a parade
Milni - The bride's family receives the groom and his family.
Var Puja - The bride's mother welcomes the groom with arti and flowers.
Jai Mala - The bride and the groom garland each other to signify mutual acceptance.
(Move inside - break and then...)
Sehra - A member of the groom's family recites a verse, introducing the groom's family.
Ganesh Puja - The marriage ceremony begins with an invocation of Lord Ganesha for success in all phases of life followed by Navgraha pujan, a calling of all nine planets for peace and prosperity.
Arrival of the Bride - The bride is brought to the stage accompanied by her Mamaji (Mother's brother) and sisters.
Kanya Dan - The bride's father gives her away by placing her hand in that of the groom . The groom holds the bride's hand in a gesture of everlasting love.
Gath Bandhan & Phere - The bride and the groom are joined together by tying a corner of their outer garments, symbolizing the bond of marriage. The couple walks around the sacred fire seven times, making it a witness of their union as husband and wife. Here, the bride's sister will read a passage from the Geeta (Holy Scriptures).
Sapta Padi - The bride and the groom take seven symbolic steps together in a promise of lifetime friendship and fidelity. Each step asks for the Lord's blessings in the following:
- May the Lord lead us to sustenance
- May the Lord lead us to strength
- May the Lord lead us to prosperity
- May the Lord lead us to the source of all bliss
- May the Lord lead us to good progeny
- May the Lord lead us to enjoy all the seasons and longevity
- May the Lord lead us to union, devotion, and companionship.
Sindoor Daan - The groom puts sindoor (red powder) in the parting of the bride's hair to welcome her into his life as his eternal partner.
Anguthi Rasam - The bride and the groom exchange rings.
Aashirvad - Family and friends bless the couple by showering them with flowers.
"This heart of thine, let it be mine And this heart of mine, let it be thine"
