History:

The Hindu wedding ceremony is a spiritual union of two individuals performed in the presence of God. The ceremony is conducted in Sanskrit, the sacred language of Hindu ceremonies. The ceremony takes place in a Mandap (alter), which is built to represent the universe. Pots in the four corners of the Mandap represent the earth and its four directions. The four pillars signify the four parents and their roles in raising the bride and groom. The flowers signify beauty and joy. The grains represent the food necessary to sustain life. The fire, representing Agni (God of Fire) is the divine witness of this union and brings warmth through the couple’s life.
 

Swagatam (Welcoming of bridegroom)

The groom arrives at the entrace of the wedding hall with his family and friends in a procession where the bride’s family and friends warmly greet him. The bride’s mother performs a welcome ritual. The bride’s parents then escort him to the Mandap.  
 

Ganesh Puja (Worship of God)

The ceremony begins with the invocation of Lord Ganesha (Lord of Prosperity), asking that all obstacles be removed. A special prayer requesting truthful life and guidance to follow family traditions and virtues is said for the bride and groom.  
 

Antarpata:

The white curtain “antarpata” held in front of the groom signifies that the bride and groom are still separate individuals.


 

Mangal Astak (Request of Blessings)

A traditional eight-verse prayer is recited seeking God’s grace in the forthcoming marriage.  
 

Kanya Agaman (Arrival of the Bride)

The bride is escorted to Mandap by her maternal uncles. The curtain is lifted and the bride and groom garland each other. This signifies the beginning of the ceremony that will unite them.
 

Hasta Melap (Uniting of Bride and Groom)

The bride’s parents offer her hand to the groom. He places his hand over hers symbolizing his acceptance. The bride’s parents then place a long garland (varmala) around the couple, which represents unity, strength and a long prosperous life together. They are now seated next to each other. The priest asks them to remember the Divine, to look upon others with sympathy, love and compassion, to be strong and righteous and to show goodwill and affection for each other’s families.  

Mangal Fera (Circumambulance of the Sacred Fire)

The couple circles the sacred fire four times. Each circle signifies four essential aspects of life in Vedic philosophy:  

Dharma – religion & ethics  Artha – wealth & prosperity
Kama – love, fertility & family Moksha – spiritual liberation  

With every circling of the fire, the bride’s brother places rice in her hand (signifying that he will provide support and protection for his sister), half of which slips into the groom’s hand. The couple then offers the rice to the sacred fire. The groom leads the first three times. By leading the final round, the bride proclaims that she will help and support her husband when he is faced with obstacles.

Sapta Padi (The Seven Steps)

The “Sapta Padi” sets the holy seal on the mutual contract of marriage. Each of the seven steps represent the vows made by the couple:
 

Kansar Bhojan (First Meal)

The bride and groom now offer sweets to each other four times again sealing the marriage and for nourishment of body and soul.  
 

Akhand Saubhagyavati

Married women from the bride’s family come forth to wish her eternal happiness.


 

Ashirvad (Blessings)

The priest blesses the newlyweds on behalf of the Gods and Goddesses and brings the ceremony to a close with a prayer. He asks the congregation to join him in showering the couple with blessings and good wishes.