It’s Friday afternoon, and I’m getting ready for one of the biggest weddings of they year tomorrow. Actually it’s two weddings, and only one couple. First tomorrow morning, there is a Catholic Mass (nuptial mass), and then in the afternoon a complete Indian Hindu Ceremony. I’ve photographed Indian weddings before, but like all events, I like to do a quick run through in my head before, just to be sure I’m in the right place at the right time.
So, here is a brief rundown of the different elements of a Hindu Indian Ceremony (if you use any of this text, just give a link back to my site, if you don’t mind):
Barat
The groom arrives on an elephant or horse (usually white or purity) to the ceremony location with friends and family surrounding or following in a festive wedding procession.
Madheperk
The bride’s family and friends welcome the groom and his entourage. The mother of the bride then places a garland around the groom’s neck and puts a red tilak (mark) on his forehead. She then performs aarti. The groom then breaks an earthen clay pot called the sampat, and is escorted to the mandap (altar) by the bride’s mother. The ceremony can then begin
Kanya Agaman / Mangalashtak
As the bride is escorted to the mandap, a white cloth (antarpat) is placed in front of the groom’s face. The significance of the antarpat is that the groom and bride are separate entities before the marriage. As it is removed, flower petals are thrown over the couple, and flower garlands are exchanged as each welcomes the other into their lives.
Kanyadan
One of the most beautiful parts of the ceremony is when the bride’s family pours water through the grooms hands which then spills over into the bride’s hands. There are many different explanations, but my favorite is that this symbolizes the earth life cycle.
Akshataropan
Vows are recited affirming responsibilities to each other, their families, and their community. Rice is thrown to signify their acceptance of these vows.
Hastamelap
The ends of the couple’s wedding scarves are tied together signifying unity, prosperity, and happiness. Vedic mantras are changed by the priest to remind the couple that they act as one in body, mind, and soul for the rest of their lives.
Mangalsutra
Now the groom takes a red powder called Sindoor, and places some in the part of the brides hair. He then puts a beautiful necklace made of silk, beads and gold (Mangalsutra) on his bride.
Mangal Fera
The priest then lights a sacred fire, and prayers are offered. Offerings are made by the couple (typically rice and flowers). The couple walks around the fire 4 times (to symbolize the four goals of human existence: Dharma, Artha, Karma, Moksha). The groom leads the first three circles, and the bride leads the fourth.
Sapta Padi
Perhaps the most important of the hindu wedding ceremony is the Sapta Padi. It is a symbol of marriage and life. Seven steps are taken by the couple, each with it’s own significance:
- Health and vitality
- Strength for spiritual, mental and physical potential
- Prosperity
- Happiness, truthfulness, and harmony
- Raising healthy and strong children
- Resiliency and longevity
- The last step is to be the best companions to each other
Kansar Bhojan
Sweets are fed to each other
Akhand Saubhagyavati
Five married women come and bless the bride. They whisper Akhand Saubhagyavati in her ear which means: “good luck and prosperity for a married life”.
Ashirwad
Blessings are offered by the priest to the couple and then their parents.
Then the ceremony is over, and the fun begins!
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