Om Shri Ganeshay Namah
The Hindu Wedding Ceremony
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
The groom arrives for the wedding with his family. They are all greeted by the bride’s family. The bride’s
mother then performs a welcoming ritual and leads the groom to the Mandap.
Ganesh Pooja - Worshipping Lord Ganesh
The wedding ceremony begins by 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
The bride is escorted down the aisle to the Mandap by her maternal uncles. Upon arrival, the bride’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.
Kanta Daan & Hastamilap - 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 symbolizes the Bride in the form of Goddess Laxmi and groom as Lord Narayana.
Here, the bride’s family displays the act of giving her to the groom and his family.
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.
Mangalpheras - Circling of the Holy Fire
During the Mangalpheras, the couple circles the holy fire four times with their wedding scarves tied
together. The bride’s brothers are also called in to participate in the ceremony. The four circles
symbolize the four basic human goals of Dharma, Artha, Karma and Moksha.
Dharma - Religeon and Ethics
Artha - Wealth and Prosperity
Karma - Love, Fertility and Family
Moksha - Spiritual Liberation and Salvation
Saptapadi - Seven Steps
The bride and groom 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.
Kansar Bhakshan - First Meal Together
The bride’s mother brings the couple sweets (Kansar). Kansar Bhakshan is the couple’s first meal
together. The couple offer Kansar to one another to symbolize their union. Kansar is a sweet made from
crushed wheat, sugar and ghee.
Mangal Sutra, Sindoor & Ring Exchange
The Mangal Sutra is a sacred necklace made from black beads that the groom ties around the bride’s
neck. This symbolizes their marriage. The groom then applies Sindoor in the center parting of the bride’s
hair as a promise to fulfill her every wish. Lastly, the couple exchange wedding rings.
Akhand Saubhagyavati - Blessings
Married women from the couple’s family come and bless the bride by whispering “Akhand
Saubhagyavati”, in the bride’s ear, which means “Good luck, prosperity, and a long, happy life.”
Ashirvaad - First Blessing as Husband and Wife
The Wedding ceremony has now concluded and the Maharaj, along with parents and elders of the
couple’s families offer them 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.
Vidai - Farewell to the Bride
The Vidai is one of the most emotional parts of the ceremony. Now that the couple are married, she bids
farewell to her family. She throws a fistful of rice behind her shoulder wishing her childhood home
happiness and security.