Indian Wedding

India is known for its rich culture and traditional weddings. These multi-day events involve customs like Mehendi, garlands for guests, and rose petals for good luck.

Music plays an important role throughout the ceremonies. Weddings are divided into three parts: pre-wedding (jago or mehndi night), main wedding, and post-wedding. Families meet, dance, and have fun with Bollywood DJ songs and Bhangra music.

In Hindu and Sikh weddings, the groom leads a procession (Baraat) to the venue. The groom often arrives on a decorated white wedding horse (Ghodi).

Modern wedding receptions may feature the groom arriving in a decorated car. Female relatives greet the groom with tilak and aarti. Music sets the mood, with DJs and Dhol players creating excitement.

The bride joins for the Jaimala ceremony, where the couple exchanges garlands.

Hindu Wedding Ceremony in the UK

An Indian Pandit conducts the prayers and ceremonies. The wedding stage (mandap) is built on the wedding day, and the groom is welcomed by his future mother-in-law. A fun tradition involves the groom’s sister-in-law trying to steal his shoes.

The groom wears a turban with a veil of flowers. The bride’s saree is tied to the groom’s scarf, symbolizing their union. Mangala Sutra is tied around the bride’s neck instead of exchanging rings. In Mangal Pheras, the couple circles the sacred fire four times.

Saptapadi

In Saptapadi, the groom helps the bride touch seven betel nuts with her right toe, reciting seven vows. Seven married women bless the bride. After the wedding, the bride is carried out by her brothers. At the groom’s home, the bride spills rice at the entrance to signify wealth and new responsibilities.

One fun game, Aeki Beki, involves finding a ring in a tray of water mixed with milk and sindoor. The day concludes with prayers for the newlyweds’ happiness and love.