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•
Ponkhana (Welcome)
Under the instruction of the priest the groom is received humbly
by the Bride's parents and close members of the families greet
each other. The Bride's mother and other ladies welcome the
Groom and escort him to the mandap. The Bridegroom steps on
a clay pot which represents the world.
• Ganesh Pooja
This is performed by the Bride's parents to solicit Ganesh's
blessings to dispell darkness, ignorance and remove any obstacles.
• Madhuparka
Madhuparka is a mixture of honey, yoghurt and ghee. Honey symbolises
the sweetness in life and the yoghurt the strength. This is
traditionally used in welcoming the son-in-law. The father of
the bride will wash the right foot of the Bridegroom with milk
and honey.
• Pathramni
Brides maternal uncle will escort her to the mandap.
• Jaimala or varmala
Next to the canopy (Mandap) Bride and Groom acknowledge and
greet each other by garlanding one another, witnessed by all
the guests present who as a mark of respect and courtesy will
be standing.
• Kanyadaan
Brides parents will give their daughter away to Groom as his
wife and he will graciously reply by accepting her.
• Varmala
A cotton loop (24 times) is placed on Bride and Groom's shoulder.
This represents the twenty-four virtues and characteristics
of a person in their lifetime.
• Hasta Melap
The father of the Bride gives his consent by placing his daughter's
right hand into the Groom's right hand.
• Vastra Dhaaran &
Granth Bandhan
Two pieces of scarves (Dupattaas) are put on the shoulders of
the couple and a knot is tied between the scarves. The knot
is a symbol of an unbreakable tie between the couple.
• Havan
The fire god is invited by lighting the Holy fire under the
canopy. The fire represents an eternal source of energy. The
priest will recite the verses in Sanskrit and the participants
under the instruction of the priest will offer their obligations
to the almighty Lord.
• Parikrama
Bride's brother will be invited to the canopy and will be asked
to put some rice in the hands of the couple, who together will
walk around the fire four times, symbolising: • Substantial
Food, Good Health, Wealth & Prosperity, Happiness, Blessings,
Progeny and Close Union.
• Shapth Grahan (Marriage
vows) & Paani Grahan.
While holding each other's hands they accept
each other voluntarily in front of all the guests present. They
will proceed to take several vows and accept each other's hand
for the prosperity of the householder's life. They will vow
to take care of each other, carry out household duties and social
obligations, raise noble children, always be truthful and loving
and live happily together, until they are parted by death.
• Sindoor Dan
The groom applies red vermillion powder to the bride's parting
of hair and giving her Mangalsutra (sacred necklace) marking
her as his own.
• Feeding sweets (Kansar)
The couple will feed each other little mithai (sweets) wishing
each other a sweet life.
• Akhand Saubhagyavati
Blessings are offered by married ladies from both families to
the newlyweds.
• Aashrivaad (blessings)
The priest will ask the gathering to stand up and shower the
married couple with flowers and rice while giving blessings
to the couple. The newly married couple will touch their families'
feet as a mark of respect and to receive blessings.
