• THE SANGEET DAY

Before the day of wedding there is a gathering of relatives and close friends called sangeet. During this day everyone form bride as well as groom side performs dance, sings and enjoys the day. This event is a kick start of all due rituals need to be followed by the bride and groom before the wedding. The sangeet day is consider as a big celebration eve for Indians.

• THE MEHNDI DAY

The mehndi ceremony is considered to a traditional party day. Only bride’s close female friends and relative are allowed to attend this function. This function generally takes place before a day of wedding. During this function, the henna mehndi paste is made, and temporary detail art designs are drawn on bride’s hand and feet. This same process can be done to groom’s hand and feet. It is common to hide each other’s name in the mehndi art, the relation is forever if groom finds his name in bride’s mehndi work.

• THE DRESS CODE

Never expect an Indian bride in white gown in a Hindu wedding. Traditionally a bride wrap herself in a red colour saree or in a lehenga. Now a days bride prefers to wear lehnga with floral print. And do not forget the groom, they also have choices for their dress like, sherwani, suit, or a traditional dhoti kurta. Usually both bride and groom both wears same colour and printed dress on their wedding day can be said as twinning.

• CELEBRATING THE GROOMS ARRIVAL

Arrival of the groom to the wedding venue is one of the biggest celebration in itself. This ceremony is traditionally called as the baraat or Vara yatra according to region. The family member, relatives as well as friends show their joy by dancing till the baraat reaches the venue. The groom is welcome with a plate carrying a little lamp (the arti) and tilak, a small dot on forehead is also done.

• BRIDE’S FATHER GIVER HER AWAY

The bride is escorted to the mandap by her brothers or uncles. The moment the bride’s farther giver her to her new family this ritual is known as Kanyadaan. During this ceremony, the father places bride’s hand onto her soon to be husband’s hands as gesture of giving her away.

• THE WEDDING MANDAP

The wedding mandap is temporary structure constructed for the couples to follow the remaining wedding rituals. The couple traditionally get together under the mandap by their parents.

• THE FIRE AT CENTER OG MANDAP

At the center of the mandap the fire is burn. A Hindu marriage is religious ceremony not a contract. As a sign of viability of the wedding the fire is said to be the witness of the ceremony. Couple walks 7 rounds around the fire keeping the dignity of 7 promises made to each other.

• EXCHANGE OF FLORAL LOOP AND ENHANCNG BRIDE WITH MANGAL SUTRA

The floral loop traditionally names as Jai Mala is exchanged between the newlyweds. Both put this jai mala around the neck of each other. This ceremony symbolises both groom and bride welcome each other to their families. After this the groom tied a necklace around the bride’s neck made with black and gold beads. It is considering the mangal sutra is a blessing of the Hindu goddess of wealth “Lakshmi”.

• SINDOOR TO BRIDE’S HAIR

Sindoor a red or orange colour powder is applied on to the middle of bride’s hair by her husband, this symbolises her new status as a married woman.

• THE VIDAI CEREMONY

Here the Hindu wedding ends up by sending off the bride to her new house. Not all farewell for brides ends up with smile and sparkle but also ends with tears and the memories of emotions. Vidai ceremony indicated that bride’s parents leaving all their rights from their daughter and giving her the final goodbye.