India has many beautiful wedding customs. The majority religion of India is Hinduism. The wedding customs and traditions in India stem from their religious and culture back grounds. In Hindu weddings the bride wears a sari (a wrap style dress) with her hair up usually in a bun style and a veil called a ghunghat. In India the covering of the bride’s head is mark of respect to the gods as well as the elders. The groom wears dhoti, which is an un-stitched fabric about seven yards and wraps around his waste where it is tied in knot, along with a shirt.
One of the most commonly known Hindu wedding traditions is mehandi (henna tattoo). Mehandi is an exotic non-permanent tattooing of intricate patterns that decorate the bride’s hands and feet. The deeper the color as tradition goes the deep her love for her husband. Although it is an East Indian wedding tradition, many western brides are incorporating this wedding tradition into their wedding ceremonies.
In India couples exchange wedding garlands instead of rings during the wedding. This exchange is know as Jaimala. Just as Westerners exchanges rings as a gesture of acceptance of one another and a pledge to respect one another as partners, so too is the symbol of garland. Western cultures find this wedding tradition fascinating and often add it to their ceremony in addition to the ring exchange. Wedding garlands are frequently used in non traditional weddings or blended culture weddings.
The bride and groom also offer rice (often the brides brother will pour rice into her hands as her hands are placed in the grooms) as a sacrifice into a fire at the wedding, this is called Rajaham.
Towards the end of the ceremony the bride and groom walk seven steps together (Saptapardi) this signifies the beginning of their journey through life together.
The Culture and religion of India are very old as a result there are many variations between the different states and locals in India; but, most tend to follow the same basics as shown here. These traditions even in the most modern of India cultures are still embraced and used in weddings today.
As the knowledge of cultures expands so does the acceptance and value of their traditions. Many modern couples look for ways to incorporate other cultural traditions into their own. Hopefully the knowledge of these beautiful and graceful Indian wedding traditions will give you an idea for your wedding ceremony.
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