Weddings In India

By Author: Wedcell Institute of Event Management
Total Articles: 19
Comment this article

India is a country rich in culture and tradition, and one of the most important cultural events is weddings. Weddings in India are not just an event, but a celebration that lasts for several days. Indian weddings are known for their grandeur, elaborate rituals, and traditional customs. Each region and community in India has its unique way of celebrating weddings, making it a diverse and fascinating experience. In this blog, we will explore the different customs and traditions of Indian weddings.

Pre-wedding customs

The pre-wedding rituals in India are as important as the wedding itself. These rituals are a way of getting to know each other's families and preparing for the wedding. Here are some of the most popular pre-wedding customs in India.

Engagement

The engagement ceremony marks the official announcement of the wedding. The groom's family visits the bride's house with gifts and sweets, and the couple exchange rings. This is a formal declaration of their intention to marry.

Haldi

The Haldi ceremony is a fun-filled event that takes place a few days before the wedding. The bride and ...
... groom are smeared with turmeric paste by their family and friends. This is done to purify the body and give the skin a natural glow.

Mehendi

The Mehendi ceremony is a beautiful and elaborate ritual where the bride's hands and feet are adorned with intricate henna designs. This is a traditional way of decorating the bride for the wedding.

Sangeet

The Sangeet ceremony is a musical event where the families of the bride and groom come together to sing and dance. This is a fun-filled event that marks the beginning of the wedding celebrations.

Wedding customs

The wedding day in India is a grand affair, filled with elaborate rituals and customs. Here are some of the most important wedding customs in India.

Baraat

The Baaraat is a grand procession where the groom rides a horse or elephant to the bride's house. The groom's family and friends accompany him, dancing to the beat of the drums. This is one of the most exciting parts of the wedding.

Kanyadaan

The Kanyadaan ceremony is an emotional event where the father of the bride gives away his daughter to the groom. This is a symbolic gesture of the bride's acceptance of the groom as her partner for life.

Saat Phere

The Saat Phere or the Seven Vows is the most important ritual in an Indian wedding. The bride and groom take seven vows, each vow signifying a promise to each other. The couple walks around the sacred fire seven times, and with each step, they make a promise to each other.

Sindoor and Mangalsutra

The Sindoor and Mangalsutra are the two most important symbols of a Hindu marriage. The Sindoor is a red powder that the groom puts on the bride's forehead, signifying that she is now married. The Mangalsutra is a necklace that the groom ties around the bride's neck, signifying that she is now his wife.

Post-wedding customs

The post-wedding rituals in India are a way of welcoming the bride into the groom's family. These rituals are a way of showing love and respect to the newlywed couple.

Griha Pravesh

The Griha Pravesh ceremony is a way of welcoming the bride into the groom's house. The bride enters the house by kicking a pot of rice, signifying the start of a new life.

Reception
The reception is a grand event that takes place after the wedding. This is a way of celebrating the newlywed couple with family and friends. The reception is usually a formal event, where the couple is introduced to the guests.

Regional customs

India is a diverse country with many different regions, and each region has its unique wedding customs. Let's take a look at some of the different regional wedding customs in India.

Punjabi Weddings
Punjabi weddings are known for their vibrant and loud celebrations. The wedding ceremony takes place during the daytime, and the reception is held in the evening. The groom arrives on a horse, and the bride's sisters playfully block his path, demanding money or gifts. This is known as the "Joota Chupai" ritual. The couple also performs a dance called the "Bhangra" at the reception.

Bengali Weddings

Bengali weddings are known for their traditional rituals and customs. The wedding takes place in the evening, and the bride and groom exchange garlands in a ritual called "Mala Badal." The bride's brothers perform a ritual called "Saat Paak," where they lift the bride and take her around the groom seven times. The reception is a formal event, with a lot of emphasis on food and sweets.

Gujarati Weddings

Gujarati weddings are known for their simplicity and elegance. The wedding takes place during the daytime, and the groom arrives on a horse. The bride's mother performs a ritual called "KanyaDaan," where she gives away her daughter to the groom. The couple also performs a ritual called "Saptapadi," where they take seven vows around a sacred fire.

Tamil Weddings

Tamil weddings are known for their traditional customs and rituals. The wedding takes place in the morning, and the groom arrives on a horse or elephant. The bride and groom exchange garlands in a ritual called "Maalai Maatral." The couple also performs a ritual called "Kanyadanam," where the father of the bride gives away his daughter to the groom.

Marathi Weddings

Marathi weddings are known for their simplicity and elegance. The wedding takes place during the daytime, and the groom arrives on a horse. The bride's mother performs a ritual called "Kanyadaan," where she gives away her daughter to the groom. The couple also performs a ritual called "Saptapadi," where they take seven vows around a sacred fire.

Conclusion

In conclusion, weddings in India are not just an event, but a celebration of love and family. The pre-wedding, wedding, and post-wedding rituals are all equally important and are a way of showcasing the country's rich culture and traditions. Each region in India has its unique wedding customs, making it a diverse and fascinating experience. Indian weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime event, and they are an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.