Our Marriage

1. Engagement

The engagement makes it official that the two persons involved are going to get married soon. A priest popularly known as ‘Pandit’, is called to set an auspicious date for the engagement ceremony. An engagement is where it all begins from in most cultures. For some, there is a ceremony known as the 'Roka' ceremony where the families meet and give a token of love and gratitude to the bride-to-be and groom-to-be as a means to show that they have excepted both in their respective families.

2. Haldi

This is the first ceremony after the engagement. A mixture of turmeric, oil and water is rubbed on the bride and groom both. Generally only the married men and women of both the sides rub the mixture. Again, it might be known in different cultures by different names but in our Indian wedding timeline, we have put it as Haldi - since most of our regional beliefs seem to identify themselves with this pre-wedding ritual. A ladies Sangeet follows the Haldi ceremony at the night.

3. Mehndi

The ladies Sangeet after the Haldi can be skipped and turned into the Mehndi event. Beautiful mehndi is applied on the bride’s hands, arms, feet and legs. The event is accompanied by dances and songs for everyone to enjoy.

4. Barat

The wedding will not start until and unless a priest will set an auspicious date. And now for the main event! It starts off with a Barat where the groom makes his way to the bride’s house. He is accompanied by his family and friends. It’s a huge event and a lot of singing and dancing is involved in the whole journey. He is received by an Aarti Pooja from the bride’s side.

5. Varmala

The Mandap is set up and the bride and the groom exchange garlands. It is usually not as simple as it sounds. And will include some naughty tricks played by the friends and family.

6. Kanyadaan

A Pooja starts off soon where the groom’s side will give a Mangalsutra to the girl. The bride’s father accepts the union and places the hand of his daughter in the groom’s.

7. Phere

Following this, Gathbandhan takes place where the bride’s Dupatta is tied to a scarf worn by the groom. Then the Saat Phere takes place where the couple has to take seven rounds against the Havan Kund, taking oaths of their relationship.

8. Sindoor

The couple is blessed by their parents and then vermillion, called Sindoor, is applied in the parting of the bride’s hair by the groom. Following which he makes her wear the Mangalsutra. Usually, a lot of wedding games will follow.

9. Bidai

It’s the time when the bride parts from her family and is usually accompanied by a really emotional atmosphere. Traditionally bride was taken to her new home in a Doli (palanquin) which nowadays has been transformed into cars and the latest trend calls for a bike.

10. Grihapravesh

Once they reach their new home a Grihapravesh takes place where an Aarti is performed to welcome the new bride.

11. Reception

A reception party marks the end of the wedding where all the guests and friends and near and dear are invited to enjoy a grand party taking part in the couple’s happiness.