Wedding Guide
1. Baraat
Groom's Parade
Harshal and his family travel to the ceremony with a band (Barat) and try to impress the bride and her family with their dance moves.
2. Milni
Families Meet
The brides family welcome the groom with open arms, garlands and aarti (fire prayer).
3. Ganesh Poojan
The First Prayers
Every Hindu ceremony begins with offering prayers to Lord Ganesh to ensure everything proceeds smoothly.
4. Madhuparka
An offering of milk and honey
Harshal's feet are washed and madhuparka (mixture of honey, yogurt, milk and ghee) is fed to him by Kreetika's father, as a sign of welcome.
5. Kanya Agamana
Bride's Entrance
Kreetika arrives and the couple exchanges garlands to show their consent to the match. They take their place in the mandap (altar) for the ceremony.
6. Varmala
Uniting the Couple
The parents place a cotton cord (Varmala) around the couple's necks, uniting them and protecting them from evil influences.
7. Kanya Daan
Giving away the bride
The bride has her palm placed on the groom's palm, to signify her passing to a new family.
8. Agni Pooja
calling lord agni as witness
Agni (fire) is lit as a witness to the marriage. The bride and groom feed the fire and recite vows to be faithful to one another.
9. Gath Bandhan
the I do's
The couples stoles are tied together to symbolize joining of their lives. The couple holds hands and accepts each other as man and wife.
10. Phera
first steps as a married couple
The couple circles the fire and take their first steps as a married couple and pray for prosperity in their marriage and household.
11. Mangalsutra
Signs of Marriage
The groom puts the mangalsutra (black beaded necklace) on the bride and sindoor (vermillion) on her head, as a symbol of marriage. The parents and the guests are invited to bless the couple with flowers.
12. Vidai
Brides departure to her new house
The bride is ready to PARTY.