Indian Wedding Rituals Simplified for Today’s Generation
Indian ceremonies consist of many rituals. Each ritual has a certain significance. Here is a list of must have rituals in an Indian ceremony. These traditions have been followed since the institution of marriage was created. In today’s inter faith ceremonies, it is important to understand the meaning behind each custom.
EXCHANGE OF GARLANDS
Garlands signifies mutual acceptance and honoring each other.
It must be the first ritual before sitting for the ceremony.
Fire Lighting & Offerings:
Fire is the symbol of illumination of the mind and also serves as a pure, holy witness to the marriage ceremony.
We offer flowers for beauty, coconut for fertility, rice for sustenance, and sweets for sweet things of life. After offerings, light the sacred fire.
THE JOINING OF HANDS
Celebrant: There is an ancient Indian ritual that joins the hands of the bride and the groom on their wedding day. The couple’s hands are tied together symbolizing their spiritual union.
THE SEVEN SACRED CIRCLES
Celebrant:
In Indian tradition, the Bride and Groom take seven circles to symbolize the beginning of their journey through life together. These circles represent principles and promises to each other. It is said that if the Bride and Groom walk seven circles together, they will become lifelong friends. Jason and Tejal will circle the sacred fire (Fire Pit), which is meant as a symbol of purity.
1. Step One: (sharing)
We promise to respect each other and care of each other’s wellbeing, both material and spiritual.
2. Step Two (Family Dharma)
Together we will protect and provide for our family.
3. Step Three (Harmonious life)
We take an oath of trust and loyalty to each other.
4. Step Four (Growth)
We will fill each other’s lives with the most important human values: love, compassion, understanding, sacrifice, and service.
5. Step Five (Restatement)
Let us reconfirm our four vows of love, family duty, harmony and growth.
6. Step Six (Spiritual Development and social obligations)
We will perform all acts of righteousness.
7. Step Seven (Eternal Bond)
Now with these seven steps, we are related as husband and wife and our bond is eternal. Let our love and friendship become eternal.
SWEET EXCHANGE
Sharing sweets between the couple and parents represents bringing sweet moments in your life with the new important beginning of marriage.
SINDOOR
The jewel of a bride on her wedding day is sindoor(the red powder) which is applied by her husband on the wedding day. The sindoor signifies that the bride is a married woman and belongs to her husband.
MANGAL SUTRA
Followed after sindoor is the mangalsutra which symbolizes the groom’s everlasting commitment to the bride.
These are just a few simplistic traditions that I have implemented in performing interfaith ceremonies. There are so many different Indian cultures and each culture brings their own customs. You might want to ask the bride or groom if they are Gujrati, Bengali, Punjabi and the list goes on. Do look into their culture traditions and add in more rituals.
