Ceremony-Specific FAQs

Question

What to expect before the Hindu wedding ceremony begins?

Answer

1. Baraat: The Groom's Procession The baraat will be Kiran's grand entrance to the wedding venue, accompanied by his wedding party as he enters riding on a white horse. This event will be the start the celebrating for the day! 2. Arrival to the Mandap A mandap is used as an altar for Hindu wedding ceremonies. It serves as a focal point for the ceremony, where Kiran and Jessica will perform rituals and vows under its canopy. The wedding party and parents of the bride and groom will arrive under the Mandap as they wait for Kiran and Jessica's arrival under the Mandap.

Question

What to expect during the Hindu wedding ceremony?

Answer

1. Pranāma to the Parents This signifies gratitude, respect, and acknowledgment of both Kiran and Jessica's parents' roles in both of their lives. 2. Invocation to Ganesha and Ganesh Puja The purpose of the Ganesha Puja is to seek blessings for a successful and happy marriage, to ensure a successful ceremony, and to invite Lord Ganesha's blessings for a prosperous future for the newly married couple. 3. Lighting of Holy Fire (Havan) Fire is the witness to the world, and through fire, the universal spirit becomes a witness to this auspicious event. 4. Inviting of Universal Spirit to bring blessings and guidance to the couple. 5. Varmala Kiran and Jessica will exchange floral garlands. Garlands have a special significance in Hindu tradition, primarily used to show respect and devotion during the ceremony. 6. Hasta Melap This is a ritual where Kiran and Jessica unite their hands, symbolizing their union and commitment to one another. Kiran, Jessica, and their parents will also join hands to invite each other in their families. 7. Granthi Bandahn & Chaar Pheras A lace is tied to the garments of the couple (Granthi Bandhan) signifying unity, and they will go around the fire four times, with special significance attributed to each circle representing the four goals of life: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (resources), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation). This also can be attributed to the four aspects of life: Starting Anew, Energy, Adversity, and Resilience. 8. Sapta Padi This means seven steps (towards the holy fire). While taking each step, the Kiran and Jessica promise each other and their life together to strive for: Strength (for each other when needed), Nourishment (of mind and soul), Wealth, Longevity, Children, Happiness, and Friendship. 9. Universal Hindu Blessings After the couple reaches close to the Holy Fire, they seek blessing from the Universal Spirit. 10. Purnahuti and Announcement of Marriage

Question

What to expect before the Jewish wedding ceremony begins?

Answer

1. Ketubah Signing: The ketubah signing is a longstanding tradition where the couple and witnesses acknowledge their commitment. Kiran and Jessica chose to sign the ketubah before the ceremony surrounded by their family. 2. Circling Ceremony Before walking into the Chuppah, Jessica will perform a traditional ritual where she will circle Kiran seven times. The number seven is significant in Jewish tradition, often representing completion, wholeness, and a connection to the creation of the world. This act symbolizes the sanctification of the marriage and the merging of both of their lives.

Question

What to expect during the Jewish wedding ceremony?

Answer

1. Kiran and Jessica walk into the Chuppah The chuppah is a canopy-like structure used in Jewish weddings under which the ceremony takes place. It symbolizes the couple's future home and the creation of a new world together. 2. Ritual greetings chanted by Rabbi 3. Seven Wedding Benedictions The Seven Benedictions are a core part of the Jewish wedding ceremony and are recited over wine. These blessings celebrate the union, invoke blessings, and express hope for a joyful and harmonious life. In Jewish weddings, wine symbolizes joy and sanctity. Wine shared by the couple is the first item that they will share in this new journey, and that it is meant to be joyous. 4. Exchange of rings and wedding vows 5. Rabbi declares marriage officially and legally. 6. Priestly Blessing 7. Groom breaks glass This act signifies both the fragility of life and the reminder of the destruction of the Second Temple. The destruction of the Second Temple brought feelings of sorrow and loss, and therefore during the wedding acknowledges the inevitability of sorrow and hardships alongside happiness in life. 8. Congregation shouts “Mazal Tov” as couple kiss, wishing them good luck!