Hindu Ceremony

Guhan’s Baraat | Wedding Procession

Guhan comes in a procession with his friends and family, singing and dancing.  In old times, the groom was usually seated on an elephant or a horse-drawn chariot.  The bride’s family and friends welcome the groom and his entourage to the marriage hall.  This symbolizes the unification of the Vyas and Venguswamy families.

Maalai Mattral | Exchange of Garlands

Guhan and Neelam garland each other thrice for a complete union.  Here the exchange of garlands symbolizes their unification – as one soul in two bodies.

Ganapathi pooja | Lord Ganesha Prayer

Under the mandap, the ceremony starts with a prayer to Lord Ganesh, who is the remover of obstacles and provider of good luck.  He is also a symbol of peace, truth, friendship, brotherhood, and happiness.  The groom and his family are invited to participate in the prayer.  The groom’s feet are cleansed with milk and water to purify him for a new life ahead. 

Punyaahavachanam | Purification

A special vessel called a kalasam is prepared and all of the sacred rivers are invited to contribute their waters to fill this vessel.  The water is then used to sanctify the materials and the site of the ceremony, while chanting Vedic hymns.  According to Hindu tradition, this must be done in the presence of Agni (the Holy Fire), and the invited guests.

Kankana Dhaaranam | tying the string

Neelam ties a string fastened to a piece of turmeric around the wrist of Guhan to bind the two of them by a religious vow.  It is only after tying the kankanam that Guhan is allowed to touch Neelam. A little later, Guhan ties a kankanam to Neelam’s wrist.

Kanyadaan | Giving Away the Bride

The parents of the bride give her away by placing Neelam’s hand over the groom’s. The couple promises each other endless love and devotion, and a handwoven cord – varmala – is placed around the bride and groom to unite them and protect them from evil.

Mangalyadharanam | Tying of the Marriage Knot

The tying of the Mangalsutra (wedding necklace), or Thali, takes place at exactly the predetermined auspicious hour. The bridegroom puts the gold Mangalsutra around the neck of the bride. As he does so, the nadaswaram (musical instrument) is played loud and fast so as to muffle any inasupicious sounds at the critical hour. This is called “Getti Melam.” At the same time as the Mangalsutra, a turmeric thread is also put around the bride’s neck. To this, three knots are tied. The first knot is tied by the bridegroom. The other two knots are tied by the groom’s sister to make the bride a part of their family. The three knots symbolize Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudhra.

Paani Grahan | Holding Hands

Guhan holds Neelam’s right hand and offers words of fortune and happiness which is sanctioned by God and all present.

Pradhana Homam | Homage to the Holy Fire

A crucial part of the wedding is the homage paid by the couple to Agni, the God of Fire.  The couple walks around the fire and feeds it with ghee and twigs from nine types of holy trees as sacrificial fuel. The fumes that arise possess medicinal, curative, and cleansing effects on the bodies of the couple. Agni, the mightiest power in the cosmos, the sacred purifier, and the all-round benefactor is deemed as a witness to the sacred marriage. Hence, the term “Agni Saakshi” or witness by fire.

Laaja Homam | Offering of Puffed Rice

The couple now performs Homam, an offering of puffed rice to the holy fire. As an expression of sibling support to her marriage her brother helps her. He gives her a handful of puffed rice grains which she hands to the bridegroom. To this, the groom adds a drop of ghee and feeds it to the fire on her behalf and recites five Vedic mantras. After each mantra, the puffed rice is thrown into the sacred fire as an offering to Agni. Through this food offering, the bride seeks a long life for her husband and for propagation of her family. Participation of the bride’s brother indicates the continuance of links between the two families even after marriage. The couple circles the fire three times. The feeding of puffed rice to the fire is also repeated three times.

Sapthapadi | 7 Steps

Holding the bride’s hand, the bridegroom walks seven steps around the holy fire with her. This is the most important part of the marriage ceremony and only when they walk these seven steps together (perform the Sapthapadi) is the marriage complete. With each step they take a vow. The belief is that when one walks seven steps with another, one becomes the other’s friend.

Meaning of the 7 Vows

We take the first step to provide for a happy and healthy home.

We take the second step to develop physical, mental, and spiritual powers.

We take the third step to increase our wealth by diligence and righteousness.

We take the fourth step to acquire knowledge, happiness, and harmony by mutual love and trust.

We take the fifth step so that we are blessed with strong, virtuous, and loving children. 

We take the sixth step to promise to care for each other for a long life together.

Finally, we take the seventh step to be true companions and remain partners in this marriage.

Arundhathi and Dhruva Nakshathram | Viewing of the Alcor and Pole Star

After the Sapthapadi is completed, the groom gently places the bride’s foot on a grinding stone near the fire and slips silver rings or “Mettis” on her toes. The couple is then shown the “Dhruva Nakshatra or Pole Star,” the one who attained immortality through single-minded devotion and perseverance and also the “Arundhati Nakshatra” as the ideal wife. This is symbolic of the fact that such virtues are to be emulated throughout married life.

Aashirwaad | Blessings of Family and Friends

The priest prays for blessings from the supreme Lord for the well-being of the newlyweds and of those assembled. Then friends and relatives sprinkle flowers on the couple. The couple touch the feet of their parents and the elders of both the families to demonstrate their respect and also receive blessings for their future life together.

Arathi | Completion of Wedding Ceremony

A solution of lime and turmeric powder is prepared on a plate, circled before the couple, and thrown away to ward off evil. This is also done a number of times during the wedding ceremony.