Indian Wedding Blessings: Ancient Rituals, Vibrant Vibes

Indian weddings are steeped in rich traditions and rituals that can span multiple days. One of the most well-known and significant ceremonies is the Saptapadi, or the Seven Steps, where the bride and groom circle a sacred fire seven times while taking seven vows for a strong union. Other important rituals include the Baraat, the grand entrance and welcoming of the groom and his family, and the Kanyadaan, where the bride's family gives away the bride to the groom. The bride's arrival is known as the Kanya Aagman, and this is followed by the Granthibandan, where the bride and groom tie the knot by tying their garments together. The exchange of flower garlands, or Varmala, is another memorable tradition, symbolising the couple's acceptance of each other and their families. Blessings, or Aashirbad, are bestowed upon the couple by their families at the end of the ceremony.

The Baraat: the groom's grand entrance

The Baraat is a grand and lively affair—a groom's wedding procession that is an integral part of Indian weddings. It is a celebratory event full of music, dancing, and rituals, symbolising the groom's happiness and excitement about getting married, his journey to unite with his bride, and the joining of two families. Here is everything you need to know about "The Baraat: The Groom's Grand Entrance":

The History and Significance:

The Baraat, rooted in North Indian Hindu wedding customs, has now become a part of other Indian wedding traditions such as Sikh and Jain ceremonies. The term 'Baraat' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Vara', meaning 'groom'. The procession is led by the groom's closest male relatives and friends, and it is a way for the groom to showcase his joy and excitement about marrying the love of his life.

Traditions and Rituals:

The Baraat is a vibrant and spirited event, with various traditions and rituals. Here are some common customs:

• Sehra Bandi: Before the Baraat begins its procession, the groom's family and friends gather for the Sehra Bandi ritual. The groom's face is covered with a decorative veil or sehra, which is attached to his turban. This veil symbolises protection from evil eyes and represents his humility.
• Ghodi Sajana: In many Indian Baraats, the groom arrives on a beautifully decorated horse known as the Ghodi. The horse is adorned with colourful garments, garlands, and embellishments, signifying prosperity and good fortune.
• Milni: As the Baraat reaches the bride's home or wedding venue, the bride's family welcomes the groom's family with open arms. The Milni ceremony involves the introduction and exchange of garlands between corresponding family members, symbolising the union of the two families.
• Dancing and Singing: The Baraat procession is energetic and lively, filled with music, singing, and dancing. The groom's friends and family dance their way to the wedding venue, setting the stage for the rest of the festivities.
• Aarti and Tikka: Upon arrival, the groom is welcomed by the bride's mother, who performs the Aarti ceremony. She circles a lit lamp around his face to ward off evil spirits and then places a red Tikka or vermilion mark on his forehead to bless him.
• Jaimala/Varmala: After the groom is welcomed, the bride and groom exchange flower garlands, known as Jaimala or Varmala, symbolising their mutual acceptance and commitment.
• Entry to the Mandap: Following the exchange of garlands, the groom is escorted to the Mandap, a decorated canopy where the main wedding ceremony takes place, and the Baraat procession concludes.

Modes of Transportation:

The Baraat is known for the groom's grand entrance, and there are numerous creative and fun ways to make this entrance memorable:

• Horseback: A classic and elegant choice, where the horse is adorned to match the groom. The horse is adorned with colourful decorations and garlands, making the groom feel like royalty.
• Vintage Car: A touch of vintage charm, with the car decked out in flowers, ribbons, or other decorations to match the wedding theme.
• Motorcycle or Scooter: Perfect for adventure-loving grooms, with garlands, balloons, or personalised license plates for a fun and exciting entrance.
• Decorated Auto-Rickshaw: A unique and quirky choice, with colourful drapes, balloons, and even a sound system for a fun-filled ride.
• Elephant Ride: A regal and majestic entrance, with the elephant beautifully decorated, creating a lasting impression.
• Boat or Canoe: For weddings near a body of water, an elegant entrance with flowers and colourful drapes adding a touch of romance.
• Helicopter: An unforgettable entrance that will be talked about for years.
• Vintage Bicycle: An eco-friendly and quirky choice, adorned with flowers and ribbons for a charming entrance.
• Hot Air Balloon: A whimsical and dreamy way to make a magical entrance.
• Parade Float: A custom float that represents the groom's personality, interests, or love story, making a unique and attention-grabbing entrance.

Modern-Day Practices:

While the traditional aspects of the Baraat are maintained, modern-day practices have evolved to include:

• Choreographed Dances: The groom's squad can choreograph a dance routine or even include a surprise dance-off with his friends.
• Flash Mobs: A spontaneous flash mob, coordinated with family and friends, will leave everyone in awe.
• DIY Baraat Props: Custom-made signs, banners, or flags add a personal touch and make the procession more colourful and lively.
• Special Performances: Inviting talented friends or family members to perform during the procession, such as live music, singing, or traditional dances.
• Fireworks or Sparklers: Lighting up the night with fireworks or sparklers as the Baraat approaches the wedding venue creates a magical and memorable entrance.

The Baraat is a joyous and vibrant celebration, full of energy and excitement, setting the tone for the rest of the wedding festivities. It is a unique tradition that combines ancient customs with modern touches, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the groom and his loved ones.

Kanya Aagman: the arrival of the bride

Kanya Aagman, or 'the arrival of the bride', is a ceremony that marks the bride's first appearance at the wedding. The bride may choose to meet the groom before entering the wedding venue or following the Baraat, but the official arrival occurs when she is escorted to the Mandap to begin the wedding rituals.

During the Kanya Aagman, the bride is accompanied by her maternal uncle and aunt, indicating acceptance of the union from the bride's maternal family. The bride's sisters, friends, and cousins may also join the procession, depending on the family's Indian origin. In a Hindu marriage, the bride is escorted not down the aisle, but to the hall in a Doli, a small carriage carried by the male relatives on the bride's side.

Upon reaching the Mandap, the bride and groom are separated by a white cloth and are not allowed to see each other yet. The priest then begins the Varmala rituals, which include the exchange of sacred garlands, or Jai Mala, and the purification of the couple, known as Aachman, where they drink water from the palms of their hands.

The arrival of the bride is a significant moment in an Indian wedding, as it is when the bride makes her grand entrance and the wedding rituals can officially commence.

Granthibandan: tying the knot

The granthibandan part of a Hindu wedding ceremony is when the couple "ties the knot". This ritual symbolises the couple's souls joining together in a new life through holy matrimony.

During the granthibandan, the groom's scarf is tied to the bride's pallu or saree. While this is happening, the couple chants prayers to deities, asking for a strong and healthy marriage. The tying of the two garments together represents the couple's souls joining together in a new life through holy matrimony.

The granthibandan is one of the rituals that takes place during the wedding ceremony, which can last several hours. The ceremony includes other rituals such as the arrival of the groom, the arrival of the bride, the exchange of flower garlands, the circling of the fire, the giving away of the bride, the groom applying a red powder to the bride's head, and the exchange of a sacred necklace.

The Hindu wedding ceremony is a sacred and symbolic celebration that brings two people and their families together.

Saptapadi: the seven steps

Saptapadi, or the seven steps, is one of the most important rituals in an Indian wedding. It symbolises the union of two individuals and their families, as well as the couple's journey together through life. The seven steps also represent the couple's commitment to respect, love, and honour each other and their families for the rest of their lives.

During the ritual, the bride and groom hold each other's hands and circle a sacred fire, taking seven steps together. Traditionally, the groom leads the bride through these steps, with each step representing a specific blessing or vow that the couple makes to each other.

The seven steps can be customised to the couple's wishes, but traditionally, they include vows such as:

• Providing for and supporting each other, and their families
• Living a healthy life, both physically and spiritually
• Sharing all possessions and worldly pleasures
• Growing their spiritual and moral values and raising virtuous children
• Balancing duties to family and society
• Working together to enrich their lives and that of their families
• Remaining lifelong partners and soulmates, respecting and honouring each other

The seven steps are taken around the sacred fire, which represents the divine witness to the vows and blessings. The fire also symbolises the presence of God, who blesses the couple as they take these vows. The couple typically offers ghee or other sacred materials into the fire as a sacrifice and blessing.

Aashirwad: blessings from family

Aashirwad, or blessings, is a key part of a Hindu wedding ceremony. It is a time for the couple to receive blessings from their families and marks the end of the ceremony.

The aashirwad is a beautiful moment of respect and advice for the newly married couple. It is a time for older, married women to offer blessings and advice on how to maintain a healthy relationship. The couple then receives blessings from the priest, their parents, and their wedding guests.

The aashirwad is a grand finale to the ceremony, with guests showering the couple with flower petals as they exit and recess away. The rituals and blessings are an important way to honour the couple's heritage and culture, and they are often very joyful occasions.

The aashirwad is also part of the post-wedding rituals. A few days after the wedding, the bride's family and loved ones visit the groom's home, bringing treats and gifts to show their approval of the union. The bride's entrance is decorated with mango leaves, which symbolise fertility and welcome the gods. This decoration must remain for one year.

The aashirwad is a significant moment in a Hindu wedding, honouring the couple and wishing them a happy and blessed future together.

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