Hindu wedding is known as vivaha in Sanskrit or Shaadi in Hindi. Hindus have several ceremonies before marriage. These ceremonies last for several may days. Hindu weddings are vibrant, culturally rich, and colorful. The most important part is a union of two people and two families. This celebration involves a ceremony of the physical, spiritual, and emotional union as well.
Pre-wedding ceremonies
- Engagement Ceremony
The event of engagement is observed in almost all religions. In Hindus, this event is usually an intimate one with close relatives and friends from both sides of the couple. This event takes place a few months before the actual main event that is the wedding. During this event the couple exchanges the rings.
2. Mehndi Ceremony
Mehndi is Heena that is applied to the bride’s hands and feet but due to modernization, even grooms apply it. This event usually involves lots of dancing and singing. Along with the bride, many females attending the event get Heena on their hands. There is a tradition of singing songs using a dholak.
3. Sangeet Ceremony
Sangeet is a fun-loving ceremony and another pre-wedding ceremony. Earlier these ceremonies were only the part of North Indian Hindu wedding, now this fun event has made its presence felt even in South India.
4. Haldi Ceremony
Amongst the ceremonies, this is the most fun event. In this ceremony, a paste of haldi is applied to the bride and groom all over the body. This event usually takes place in the morning. Nowadays haldi and Mehendi are celebrated together. This ritual is to beautify the skin of the couple. The color yellow is considered positive and hence it is believed that it keeps the evil away.
5. Wedding Ceremony
Then comes D-day, the auspicious moment for the couple and the families. A wedding is a ceremony where two people are united in a marriage, a bond of love. There are a few traditions that are followed from culture to culture.
Post Wedding Ceremonies
6. Vidaai Ceremony
This is an emotional ceremony which takes place post wedding. During this event the bride throws back rice over her head. In the olden days bride’s brother carried the carriage to the groom’s house, but now bride’s brothers push the car/vehicle. During this ceremony everyone tends to cry.
7. Reception Ceremony
This ceremony is to know each others family. This event is a modern celebration and has no particular rituals that are to be followed. During this event everyone is found dancing to music along with amazing food.
