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Hong Cho | profile | all galleries >> Various Events >> Friends >> Tina and Sanjeev's Wedding >> The Wedding Ceremony tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

The Sehra Bandi Ceremony | The Wedding Ceremony | The Reception

The Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony was held at the Durga Temple in Fairfax Station, VA, not too far from the Comfort Inn.

According to the wedding brochure, this is what the ceremony consisted of.

A Hindu Wedding is not simply an exchange of vows and rings. It includes a number of religious rites which are performed. These represent the importance of the bond between a husband and wife. it is rooted in Vedic tradition, signifying various aspects of life that are to follow after the marriage. The various steps in the marriage ceremony include: [This description section seems to have a size limit, so I will have to put the actual description at the bottom, in the comments.]
  • Baraat/Milini [Arriving at the mandap]
  • Jai Mala [Introduction]
  • Sarvadeva Pujan
  • Kanyadan (Giving away of the daughter)
  • Granthi Bandhan [Tying the clothes]
  • Paanigrahan or Hasta Milap (Holding the hand)
  • Laajahuti
  • Mangal Phere
  • Shilarohan
  • Saptapadi (Taking seven steps): [The most important ritual]
  • Sindoor
  • Mangal Sutra
  • Ashirwad (Blessing)
  • Bidaai (Farewell)
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The Durga Temple Getting Ready for Baraat More Street Dancing Baraat Continues
Jim Good Dancers More Dancers Baraat Continues
Baraat Continues More Dancing Finally, the Groom Arrives The Groom's Party Led Toward the Bride's Party
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Guest 14-Oct-2005 11:16
thankx for the info about hindu weddings. My son just get Married (see Hodero page) and i was searching for info about the ritual.
greetings
sis of hodero - holland
Hong Cho 25-Jun-2002 15:00

Baraat/Milini: The groom arrives for the wedding along with his family and friends in a procession. The bride's family and friends receive them. They then go towards the mandap , which is where the ceremony will take place.
Jai Mala: The bride and groom exchange garlands during this ceremony as a sign of acceptance of each other. Those present indulge in festivity to mark this happy occasion.
Sarvadeva Pujan: Lord Ganesha is worshipped for success of the ceremony, and the nine planets for good household life of the bride and the groom.
Kanyadan (Giving away of the daughter): The parents of the bride place their dughter's right hand in the hand of the groom and her father declares to the assemblage that he, on this day and hour, of his own free will and that of the bride, hereby hands over his daughter to the groom, saying to always follow the rules of religion. The groom promises to protect her.
Granthi Bandhan: The edges of the bride and the groom's outer garments are tied together, symbolizing their unity.
Paanigrahan or Hasta Milap (Holding the hand): The groom takes the brides hand and recites Vedic hymns for happiness, and vows to take care of her forever.
Laajahuti: The bride and groom offer ghee (clarified butter), rice, and sandalwood powder to Agni (the sacred fire god). Prayers are offered for happiness and prosperity of the couple. Agni (fire) is the mouth of Lord Vishnu and symbolizes illumination of mind, knowledge, and happiness.
Mangal Phere (Walking around the sacred fire): The bride and groom walk around the holy fire seven times, while the priest recites hymns (Vedic mantras). During the first three rounds, the bride leads the groom, symbolizing her strengths in taking responsibilities, Artha (finances), and Kama (pleasures). During the next four rounds, the groom leads the bride representing his willingness to lead in the four aspects of life: Kama (love), Artha (wealth), Dharma (religion), and Moksha (salvation).
Shilarohan: The bridegroom chants a mantra , and the bride places her right foot on a stone. The rock is a symbol of stability, permanence and firmness. The bride's position in the groom's home is now permanent and together, and the couple will face all of life's challenges like a rock.
Saptapadi (Taking seven steps): This is the most important ritual of the entire ceremony. Here the bride and the bridegroom take seven steps together around the nuptial fire (Agni) and make the following seven promises.

With God as our guide, let us take:

The first step to nourish each other
The second step to grow together in strength
The third step to preserve our wealth
The fourth step to share our joys and sorrows
The fifth step to care for our children
The sixth step to be together forever
The seventh step to remain lifelong partners

Sindoor: Sindoor, or vermilion powder, is the sign of a married Hindu lady. The groom applies sindoor in the center parting of the bride's hair.
Mangal Sutra: The groom ties the mangalasutra around the bride's neck. Mangalasutra, or thread of good will, is a necklace worn specifically by mariied women as a symbol of their marriage.
Ashirwad (Blessing): The groom's parents and relatives bless the couple, symbolizing her joining of the groom's family.
Bidaai (Farewell): Bidaai marks the departure of the bride from her parental house. She throws phulian (puffed rice) over her head. She conveys her good wishes and prosperity for her parents thorugh this gesture.
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