Indian Traditional Wedding

A wedding is the ceremony in which two people are united in marriage. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes. Most wedding ceremonies involve an exchange of wedding vows by the couple, presentation of a gift (offering, ring(s), symbolic item, flowers, money), and a public proclamation of marriage by an authority figure or leader. Special wedding garments are often worn, and the ceremony is sometimes followed by a wedding reception. Music, poetry, prayers or readings from religious texts or literature are also commonly incorporated into the ceremony.

Shagun ceremony
Shagun-ceremony Traditionally the shagun ceremony holds an important place in the pre-wedding rituals. Once the girl and the boy have consented to the marriage, the elders in the families chose an auspicious date for the shagun ceremony. This date may be calculated with help of astral calendar often known as Panchanga. On the day of the Shagun, groom’s mother visits the bride’s house with gifts, clothes, betel nut, rice and incense. Jewelry and sweets are also added to the Shagun. Acceptance of the shagun by the bride signifies her formal consent to be the daughter in law of the family.


Engagment
Mangni or Sagaai refers to the engagement ceremony where the girl and boy exchange rings in the presence of the elders and friends. Sagaai is a grand affair just like the wedding ceremony. It is accompanied by fun, dance and music.  Lavish feast is designed for Sagaai.  Sagaai ceremony marks the mutual agreement and consent for marriage by both the families.
Mangni Ceremony is known as wedding engagement or wedding nishwayam in south india.


Mehndi Ceremony
This is one of the most awaited wedding rituals. Mehndi ceremony is organized by the women of the house. Female guests are invited to participate in the Mehndi function that is marked with music and dance. Mother of the bride applies a small dot of Mehndi on bride’s small finger. An expert Mehndi artist then draws intricate Mehndi designs containing auspicious symbols on bride’s hands and feet. Other women may also indulge in applying simple Arabic Mehndi designs on their hands. Modern day brides may opt for simple Arabic Mehndi designs on the back of the hand and traditional Indian designs on the palm. Mehndi is often organized in evenings and guests are offered sumptuous dinner. Mother of the bride may also ask the Mehndi artist to write the groom’s name amidst the Mehndi design. The groom has to find the name in post wedding rituals.



Sangeet Ceremony
Sangeet ceremony is held in the house of the bride and the groom separately. Sangeet ceremony consists of music, dance and fun. Bride’s friends revel in teasing the bride about her future husband. Elders of the house sing traditional songs and bless the bride. Sangeet ceremony also involves pampering the bride as she is nearing the last stage of her single life. Some communities may have different ceremonies within the Sangeet ceremony itself. Churi ceremony may be held with the Sangeet function. In this ceremony, all the women are presented with different bangles of their choice.


Haldi Ceremony
- Haldi ceremony is conducted a day prior to the wedding. Freshly ground turmeric mixed with fragrant extracts of jasmine and sandalwood is applied on the bride and the groom’s body. Turmeric holds a special place in Hindu culture. It is considered auspicious. It is believed that Haldi ceremony imparts a natural glow to the bride and the groom.  Raw turmeric stick (halkund) is tied to a yellow thread and is tied around the bride’s hand. Bride and the groom are not supposed to leave their houses until the day of the wedding.


Wedding Day
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Indian Wedding Reception
-Reception is held either on the same day or on the next day of the marriage. The couple is seated on a stage, where all the relatives and friends wish them a happy married life and present them with gifts.