Hindu Wedding Ceremony – Order of Service and Order of Events
Introduction
The Hindu wedding ceremony is a long and elaborate ceremony, with every step rooted
in Vedic tradition, signifying various aspects of life that is to follow after the wedding.
The mandap-canopy or marriage stage is decorated with flowers and with a fire as witness,
the Hindu wedding ceremony begins.
Varaagman – The Groom’s Arrival
Sunil arrives for the Wedding with his family. They are all greeted by Amisha’s family.
Amisha’s mother then performs a welcoming ritual and leads Sunil to the Mandap.
Ganesh Pooja – Worshipping Lord Ganesh
The Wedding ceremony begins by Amisha’s parents offering a prayer to Lord Ganesh.
Lord Ganesh is worshipped, so he may remove all obstacles and bless the couple.
Kanya Aagman – The Bride’s Arrival
Amisha is escorted down the aisle to the Mandap by her maternal uncles. Upon arrival,
Amisha’s father takes her hand and leads her into the Mandap. The couple are separated by the
Antarpat (curtain), which is lowered once the Maharaj (Priest) invokes a prayer for the couple.
Jaimala – Exchanging of Garlands
At this time, the couple exchange fresh flower garlands, signifying the acceptance
of one another and to pledge their respect for one another as partners in life.
Kanya Daan & Hastamelap – Giving Away the Bride
In the Hindu religion, the Kanya Daan is considered the most magnificent offering a bride’s parents make.
The Kanya Daan symbolises the bride in the form of Goddess Laxmi and groom as Lord Narayana.
Here, Amisha’s family displays the act of giving her to Sunil and his family.
Mangalpheras – Circling of the Holy Fire
During the Mangalpheras, the couple circles the holy fire four times with their Wedding scarves tied together.
Amisha’s brothers are also called in to participate in the ceremony. The four circles symbolise the
four basic human goals of Dharma, Artha, Karma and Moksha.
• Dharma – Religion and Ethics
• Artha – Wealth and Prosperity
• Karma – Love, Fertility and Family
• Moksha – Spiritual Liberation and Salvation
Saptapadi – Seven Steps
Amisha and Sunil take seven steps together representing the vows and promises they are making to each other.
1. The first step to provide a nourishing and pure diet for our household and
avoid the things which are harmful to our healthy living.
2. The second step to develop physical, mental and spiritual powers.
3. The third step with the aim of increasing our wealth by righteous means and proper use.
4. The fourth step to acquire knowledge, happiness and harmony by mutual love and trust.
5. The fifth step to be blessed with strong and virtuous children.
6. The sixth step for accomplishing self-restraint and longevity.
7. The seventh step with the vow that we shall always be true to each other, work together for prosperity
and happiness and remain lifelong partners.
Akhand Saubhagyavati – Blessings
Married women from the couple’s family come and bless Amisha by whispering”Akhand Saubhagyavati” in her ear,
which means “Good luck, prosperity, and a long, happy life.”
Kansar Bhakshan – First Meal Together
Amisha’s mother brings the couple Kansar. Kansar is a sweet made from crushed wheat, sugar and ghee.
Kansar Bhakshan is the couple’s first meal together. The couple offer Kansar to one another to
symbolises their union.
Mangal Sutra & Sindoor
The Mangal Sutra is a sacred necklace made from black beads that Sunil ties around Amisha’s neck.
This symbolises their marriage. Sunil then applies Sindoor in the centre parting of Amisha’s
hair as a promise to fulfil her every wish.
Ashirvaad – First Blessing as Husband and Wife
The Wedding ceremony has now concluded and the Maharaj, along with parents and elders of the couples family
offer the couple blessings for a long and happy married life. The couple bend down to touch the feet of the Maharaj
and their family elders as a form of worship known in the Hindu ceremony to fulfil her every wish.
Vidai – Farewell to the Bride
The Vidai is one of the most emotional parts of the ceremony. Now that the couple are married,
Amisha bids farewell to her family. She throws a fistful of rice behind her shoulder wishing her
childhood home happiness and security.
Thank You
On behalf of both our families,
we thank you from the bottom of our hearts
for joining us on our special day
Love from Sunil & Amisha
Download the above wordings as a Word document (.doc) or a Portable document format (.pdf)
-
Hindu Wedding Cards
Hindu Wedding Cards | Modern Wedding Cards UK
