Niyati & Michael's Wedding
Wedding Ceremony
Baraat
THE ARRIVAL
The Groom, his family and friends arrive to the ceremony site. There is music and dancing to announce the arrival of the Jaan (groom’s side) to start the festivities.
Milni
THE WELCOME MEETING
Groom is welcomed with a tikka (red dot on forehead) placed by a girl from the Bride’s family and a short prayer performed by the Bride’s Mother. The Bride’s Mother playfully pinches the Groom’s nose to remind him that he is also joining the Bride’s family and to keep each other in good humor always. The Bride’s family welcomes the Groom’s family, and the Families greet each other.
Ganesh Puja
PRAYER TO LORD GANESH
The ceremony begins with a puja (“prayer”) to Lord Ganesh, the remover of all obstacles and provider of good luck.
Antarpat
THE VEIL
Two family members hold the antarpat, or veil, in front of Groom waiting for the Bride to arrive. Because the antarpat separates the bride and groom, its use symbolizes the couple's individual lives prior to the marriage. Once the Bride comes to Mandap, it is lowered, symbolically meaning that nothing- no person, space, time or circumstances- can keep the couple separated anymore.
Kanya Aagman
THE ARRIVAL OF THE BRIDE
The Bride makes her entrance and is escorted by her Mama and Mami (maternal uncle and aunt) down the aisle to meet the Groom at the Mandap (the altar).
Jai Mala
THE EXCHANGING OF GARLANDS
The Bride and Groom exchange garlands to signify their choosing of one another.
Hasta Melap & Granthi Bandhan
THE JOINING OF HANDS AND TYING THE KNOT
The Bride’s right hand is placed in the Groom’s right hand symbolizing unity and entrusting each to take care of the other. Granthi Bandhan represents ‘The Knot’ - The groom’s sash is tied to the Bride’s sari, signifying their marital bond.
Mangal Phera
WALK AROUND THE HOLY FIRE
The sacred fire signifies purity and a source of universal energy. The Bride and Groom complete Four “Pheras” (circles) to symbolize the four basic goals of human life: Dharma (pursuit of life’s moral duties), Artha (pursuit of prosperity), Kama (pursuit of earthly joys), and Moksha (pursuit of spiritual salvation).
The Parable of the Trapeze
BY DANAAN PERRY
Read by John Meehan
Mangal Sutra, Sindoor, & Rings
TOKENS OF MARRIAGE
The Mangal Sutra translates to the “Sacred Thread”, and is a necklace with black beads and either a gold or diamond pendant. It symbolizes good luck, love, and friendship. The Groom adorns the Bride with the Mangal Sutra, places the sindoor (red vermillion) in her part, and the two exchange rings.
"A Blessing for The Journey"
A BUDDHIST PRAYER BY SENSEI WENDY EGYOKU- NAKAO
Read by Jason Strains
Kansar
THE COUPLE'S FIRST MEAL
The Bride and Groom feed each other sweets to symbolize the start of a sweet life together.
Akhand Sobhagyavati
ADVICE FROM RESPECTED ELDERS
In Indian culture, elder members of the family are respected and considered wise sources of knowledge and experience. In this ceremony, married women from each side of the family are invited to whisper blessings and advice into the ears of the newlyweds.
Saptapadi
THE SEVEN STEPS
Groom and Bride take seven steps together. Each step signifies a vow they promise to uphold. One the steps are complete, the couple is walking away from mandap & entering the world as husband and wife.
Aashirvad
BLESSINGS
The newlyweds seek the blessings of the priest, their parents, friends and family for a happy married life together.