Ceremony Guide

Hindu Ceremony

Mandap Puja

Nepali Janti

The Nepali Janti is a lively wedding procession

The groom, accompanied by his family and friends, arrives at the wedding venue in a procession.

Swoyambar

Swoyambar: Garland and Sacred Vow Exchange

Swayambar involves the groom and his family visiting the bride's home to formally ask for her hand in marriage. Swayamvar ceremony is the main event for the whole wedding and it literally means 'Choosing the Groom by the Bride'. Swoyambar (Sacred Vow Exchange) The spiritual heart of a Nepali wedding The couple exchanges floral garlands (Jai Mala), signifying mutual acceptance and respect. The sacred fire (Agni) is lit, and the Pandit (priest) chants mantras to sanctify the union through auspicious rituals. Dubbo Mala (garlands made of sacred grass) and Vermala (decorative flower garlands) add cultural depth to the ceremonies. This ritual is central in Hindu Nepali weddings and represents vows of love, fidelity, and lifelong commitment.

Sindur Pote

Sindoor (Vermilion) Pote (Green Necklace)

The bride ascends the sacred dais. The groom, standing before her, first makes an offering of vermilion (sindoor) to the gods and goddesses. The bride then closes her eyes as the groom applies the sacred vermilion three times to her face: on the right side, the left side, and the center of her forehead. Upon completion of this rite, the bride again bows respectfully to the groom. Marking the sacred marital bond Applying sindoor (vermillion powder) to the bride’s hair parting and placing the potay (a red-beaded necklace) marks her as a married woman according to Hindu tradition. This deeply symbolic act signals the bride’s new role and status. Traditional bridal makeup and jewelry accentuate these moments for ceremonial elegance.

Saptapadi

Phere

Phere (Seven Vows): The couple takes seven rounds around the sacred fire, each round symbolizing a vow for a harmonious life together. In this rite, the bride and the groom tie a knot and take seven steps together, or complete seven rounds around a sacred fire, accompanied by one vow for each step. After the seventh, the marriage is considered complete In the first round or phera, the couple prays to God for plenty of nourishing and pure food. They pray to God to let them walk together so that they will get food. In the second round or phera, the couple prays to God for a healthy and prosperous life. They ask for the physical, spiritual and mental health from God. In the third phera, the couple prays to God for wealth. They ask God for the strength for both of them so that they can share the happiness and pain together. Also, they pray so that they can walk together to get wealth. In the fourth round, the couple prays to God for the increase in love and respect for each other and their respective families. In the fifth round, the bride and groom together pray for the beautiful, heroic and noble children from God. In the sixth round around the fire, the couple asks for the peaceful long life with each other. In the final seventh round, the couple prays to god for companionship, togetherness, loyalty and understanding between themselves. They ask God to make them friends and give the maturity to carry out the friendship for lifetime.