In Hindu scripture, marriage is meant to unite the bride and groom firmly so that they may pursue their dharma(duty) together. They consider that marriage is for life. And if it’s true love, then Hindu is reborn with your soulmate in each cycle of reincarnation so that the bride and groom may both be together forever. Isn’t it such a beautiful culture?

While the rituals of Hindu marriage n more interesting where the bride and groom comes to the mandap commits to remain faithful to each other and repeat the pledge in front of the Fire God called as Agni. Then they walk seven rounds together committing to seven marriage vows to each other. Then the family bless them as a couple and wish them a happy married life.

Following are the essential steps of Traditional Hindu Wedding Ceremony 

Swagatam  & Madhuperk-  Welcoming  Groom & his family

You can call it a grand dancing procession of the groom and his family till the barat reaches the wedding venue. You must have seen these colourful dance processions with music and groom on the horse or decorated car. The bride’s family welcomes the groom’s family with Arati and sweets, as a symbol of happiness and escort the family to the wedding hall

Shri  Ganesh Prayers & Poonyahvachanam 

After welcoming the groom and his family, they start the ceremony with prayers to Lord Ganesh to bless this occasion and make the marriage ceremony free of obstacles. Then the families pray together for the auspicious day of bride and groom.

Vadhu  Aagman – Arrival of the Bride 

Now comes the beautifully decorated bride along with her maternal uncle, bridesmaid and groom’s men. An auspicious cloth separates Bride and groom as a symbol of their separate existence prior to the marriage.

Mangalashtakam &  Sankalpa – Mutual Approval 

Pandit recites the mantras (prayers), while the bride and groom garland each other. The pandit makes sure to explain them the objectives of the wedding.

Kannyadaan  – Giving Away the  Bride

In this ritual, the bride’s mother pours holy water into bride’s palms which flows into grooms and then into bride’s palms, it symbolizes the continuity of life and passing of the family heritage to the next generation.

Akshatropanam  &  Panigrahanam (Hastmelap) – Expectations  from Married Life

Bride and groom accepts each other hands with blessing of heavenly gods with the promise to stay together for their rest of their lives, as the tradition they tie each other’s wrists with sacred thread which is called Sutrabandhanam.

I take thy hand  in mine, yearning for happiness
I ask thee, to live with me, till both of us, with age, grow old
Know this, as I declare, that the Gods have bestowed thy person, upon me
That I may fulfill, my Dharma of the householder, with thee !

Mangalsutrabandhanam  – Marriage Commitment to Each Other

This is the most famous custom of Hindus, where groom adorns bride’s neck with  mangalsutra, a necklace symbolizing the love, good luck and friendship. Then groom applies kumkum on bride’s forehead.

Vivaah  Homa  –  Worshipping the Sacred Fire

The couple lights the Agni, the holy fire that symbolizes light, power and knowledge. Bride and groom repeat the sacred pledge of marriage and request agni (fire) for their prayers.

Laja  Homa & Agni Pradakshina -Starting the Marriage Journey

Here they circle the sacred fire four times; they are supported by bride’s brother as her lifelong supporter.

Saptapadi  – Taking  the Marriage Vows with Seven Steps

I am sure we must have seen this in most of the Bollywood movies, I never thought that this would mean so much to the bride and groom. Pandit started explaining the meaning of each step. He beautifully described the promises which the bride and groom take in all the seven steps.

 With the first step, we will provide  for and support each other.
 With the second step, we will develop mental, physical & spiritual strength.
 With the third step, we will share the worldly possessions.
 With the fourth step, we will acquire knowledge, happiness and peace.
 With the fifth step, we will raise strong and virtuous children.
 With the sixth step, we will enjoy the fruits of all seasons.
 With the seventh step, we will always remain friends and cherish each other.

And then they are declared as Happily Married ever after!

Courtesy:-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_wedding, http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hindumarriage.asp, http://www.hinduwedding.info/marriage-ceremony.html