FAQs for Hindu Ceremony Newbies

Question

WHAT IS THE BARAAT?

Answer

The baraat is the groom’s procession as he arrives to the scene of the wedding. Traditionally, weddings would take place at the bride's home and the groom would arrive on horse or elephant with his entourage, complete with loud drums, trumpets, and all his family members dancing down the street to make their arrival known to the bride's family. Our version won’t involve an elephant, but we hope it will be just as epic! Adarsh will arrive surrounded by YOU, the “baraatis,” forming a large dance party leading him to Annie's family. Traditionally only the groom’s side dances during the Baraat, but we encourage guests from both sides to join Adarsh. Here is a youtube video to give you an example of what to expect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faUqPAYjAaQ

Question

What will the Hindu ceremony be like?

Answer

Wedding ceremony commences with special prayers to Lord Ganesh to seek his blessings and remove all obstacles. Why Ganesh? Ganesh is widely revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom. As the god of beginnings, he is honored at the start of rites and ceremonies. After the blessings to Ganesh, the Jaimall occurs. This is where the priest recites prayers to bless the couple's union. The Bride and Groom exchange flower garlands, signifying the couple's mutual acceptance, respect and love for each other. Then the Kanyadaan is performed. This is where Annie's Dad, Bill, symbolizes giving Annie away in the Hindu culture by placing her right hand in Adarsh's right hand and holy water is poured over their clasped hands to symbolize the transition of families.

Question

What should I wear to Hindu Ceremony?

Answer

Wear whatever semi-formal/cocktail attire you would like! You can wear Cocktail attire or Indian dress. Either is appropriate and appreciated! If you want to wear Indian clothes, it's seen as acceptable for non-Indians to wear. Men can wear what is called a lehngo jhabbo / kurta pajama. Its a loose long shirt with some tighter fitting pants. A button down shirt with pants and a tie is perfectly acceptable as well. Ladies - If you've never tried a saree or a lehenga, this is a good ocassion to wear one! Not feeling the saree - no problem, a dress is perfectly approporiate. Regular cocktail attire is not a problem - just stay away from black. Also, we love color! Don't be shy to pull out that hot pink, orange, or bright blue dress. Feel free to keep the same outfit for the morning ceremony and the evening reception or switch it up during the mid-day break! Call us if you have any questions.

Question

What is the significance of henna or mehndi?

Answer

Mehndi is a temporary natural dye used as an adornment by women, and is often associated with special celebrations such as weddings. It is put on the bride's hands and feet a day or two before the wedding in intricate patterns to symbolize various blessings, luck, joy, and love and sometimes the groom's name is hidden in the intricate pattern. It is also common for women to apply mehndi when attending a wedding.

Question

What are the parts of the hindu ceremony and significance?

Answer

Gath Bandhan - This is where Beth and Susan will tie a piece of colorful clothing between Annie and Adarsh signifying their union Pradhan Havan - The Priest lights a fire to invoke the God of Fire to bear witness to the commitments of the Bride and Groom and to remove all darkness from the couple's life and guide them to enlightenment. The couple walk around the fire 7 times indicating a specific vow: Sapta Padi - Seven Sacred Steps/Vows 1. Trust and support each other 2. Share in each other's joy as well as sorrow 3. Live as one soul jointed into one being 4. All that is mine is yours; there will be no point where I end and you begin 5. Navigate every path together 6. Be beloved partners as we become family 7. Always to be at each other's side and in each other's hearts forever.