Hindu Destination Weddings

Over many customs and theologies, Hindu weddings tend to extend up to five days in length. The ceremonies are split into three parts (pre-wedding, wedding day ceremony, and post-wedding rituals). Each of these customs and rituals has a very deep religious significance.

The pre-wedding celebrations include the engagement, sangeet, mehndi, haldi and tilak.

The wedding day ceremonies involve different rituals of their own religious meaning. The most important of these rituals is the seven rounds or ‘saath phere’ taken by the bride and groom around the sacred fire, whilst the seven vows are read by the priest. The couple take their vows before God, who is symbolized in the ritual by fire and light, building the foundation of their relationship. The vows speak loyalty, love and commitment that the two will share during their lifetime as a married couple.

The post wedding ceremonies are then performed which cover vidaaj and the reception celebrations. This is usually the most emotional part of the wedding, as the bride takes leave from her family and steps foot into her husband’s home for the rest of her life. When reaching her new home, the bride is also welcomed through some more customary rituals and sometimes with a brief celebration to set the right mood for her arrival.

Wedding Rituals

According to the Hindus, there are four main stages in one’s life, of which marriage is the second stage. This stage begins with a man and woman coming together in marriage, which teaches the couple some of the most important values of life. Hindu weddings not only involve a bride and groom, but the entire community of friends, family and relatives, as everyone participates in their coming together. Some hindu marriage ritual customs involve parents performing arranged marriages of their son/daughter.

After a wedding has been decided on, family members of both the bride/groom-to-be ask a priest to suggest an auspicious date for the engagement, which is known as ‘misri’ or the ring ceremony. The Hindu culture boasts many various cultures and traditions, so the engagement ceremony usually differs by region and community. The basic ritual, however, still involves the to-be bride and groom exchanging rings.

The next most important ritual is the mehndi party. It is said that the colour of mehndi (henna) represents the essence of love in a marriage, so it is put on the bride’s hands to strengthen the bond of love between them. This event is mostly celebrated between the bride’s family and friends. The female family and friends also have the mehndi put onto their hands and feet as well. The event is marked by singing traditional songs and dancing.

Another important ritual is the sangeet party, where the family and friends of both bride and groom celebrate the upcoming marriage. Along with song and dance, there are also a wealth of food and drinks. Large sangeet parties are usually popular among punjabis, marwaris and gujaratis, although most regions and cultures today also practice this ritual.

On the morning of the wedding day, the haldi ceremony takes places. In this ritual, the bride and groom are pasted with turmeric powder in their homes, as part of a beautification process.

The wedding ceremony usually takes place under a ‘mandap’ or a tent, which is decorated with flowers and with many traditional colours. The hindu wedding ceremony is a very long and elaborate affair, which can take several hours and is attended by a very large number of family, friends and acquaintances. One of the most important rituals the bride and groom perform is the ‘saptapadi’ or ‘saath phere’ around the sacred fire which represents god. The priest recited the ‘mantras’, speaking of the real significance of marriage as the bride and groom take their seven rounds of the sacred fire. During this time, the groom fills ‘sindoor’ (vermillion) through the center parting of the brides hair, and then puts the ‘mangalsutra’ around her neck. Both of these symbols have a very strong symbolization and importance for married Hindu women.

Mungalsutra

The word ‘mangalsutra’ comes from the words ‘mangal’ (auspicious) and ‘sutra’ (thread). A Hindu marriage not only symbolizes a union of two people, but also of bond, understanding, commitment, mutual love, oneness and spiritual growth. Traditionally, Hindu marriage was much more than celebration and fun, but demanded sacrifice, companionship, dedication and devotion from both partners. Each ritual and custom in the wedding process portrays its own essence of marriage to make the entire wedding process complete. Traditionally, there are five signs of marital status of a hindu woman; the ‘mangalsutra’, toe rings, ‘kumkum’, bangles and a nose ring.

The mangalsutra is not just a jewellery piece, but a sacred thread of love and goodwill worn by married Hindu women, as a testament to their successful marriage. It is believed the mangalsutra has its roots associated to south india, and having its unique importance worked its way into north india.

It is very auspicious for married women, and is believes to have diving powers. Each of the black beads in the mangalsutra signifies protection from evil power and are believed to protect the marriage of the couple and the life of the woman’s husband.

Shola Singar

The wedding day is the important day in a hindu bride’s life. Most of them have dreams for this day since when they were little girls, since it marks a huge point of change in their lives. Some of their female friends and family will join them in the beautification process prior to the ceremony. There are sixteen parts to this, which cover their entire body from head to toe. The parts are: bindi, sindoor, maangteeka, anjana, nath, haar, karn, mehndi, choodiyan, baajuband, aarsi, keshapasharachana, kamarband, payal & bichuas, itar and the bridal dress.

• Bindi – places on the forehead between the eyes, it has a strong religious implication and is a sacred symbol for married women.
• Sindoor – a symbol of marriage, the ‘sindoor’ or vermillion is applied on the center parting of the hair.
• Maangteeka – mostly made of gold, this is worn over the center parting of the hair.
• Anjana – ‘kajal’ or kohl is applied on the edges of the upper/lower eyelids, enhancing the bride’s eyes.
• Nath – made of gold, it is generally worn on the left nostril and supported by a chain extending to the left ear.
• Haar – this beautiful necklace is usually made of gold and accented with diamonds, pearls or stones.
• Karn phool – earrings made of gold and worn on the ears of the bride.
• Mehndi – signifying the wedlock, it is on the hands of feet of the bride to strengthen the bond of love.
• Choodiyan – bangles worn on the bride’s wrist usually made of glass or gold; traditionally red colour.
• Baajuband – known as armlets worn on the upper arms of the bride and similar to bangles.
• Aarsi – the fingers of the bride are filled with exotic rings. The ‘aarsi’ is the thumb ring worn and made of glass so the bride can see herself in it.
• Keshapasharachana – usually the bride’s hair is tied in a braid style with accessories and flowers.
• Kamarband – a waist band that is tied on the waist line of the bride, usually bade of gold with stones diamonds or other precious stones.
• Payal & bichuas – made of silver, a thick chain that is worn on the ankle with tiny bells. Bichuas are toe tings worn in the fingers of each foot.
• Itar – a special fragrance used by the bride.
• Bridal dress – made with bright bridal colours, comprising of ‘saree’, ‘lehenga’ and ‘salwar kurta’.

Pre-Wedding Rituals

Punjabi traditions are filled with many rituals and begin many days before the wedding.

• Roka – when the two families meet to bind the relationship between each other. It is carried out to secure the commitment between the two families and usually involved a small event between the family members and close relatives of both families. The families exchange many gifts, sweets, fruits etc.
• Sagan – a ceremony held at either the groom’s home or a venue. A ‘havan’ is performed by a priest, at the end of which the bride’s father applies ‘tilak’ to the groom’s forehead. All relatives and friends of the bride come forward to bless the groom and offer him gifts/sweets.
• Chunni chadana – the groom’s parents and close relatives visit the bride’s home, where the groom’s sister or sister-in-law presents her with a red sari as a token of acceptance into their family, which the bride then wears. The groom’s mother than places a red ‘chunni’ (veil) over the brides head and gives her jewellery. The bride is then fed boiled rice and milk by all the relatives of the groom who are present. The ceremony ends in the bride and groom exchange rings.
• Sangeet – is the musical program held at both the bride and groom’s homes. Wedding songs are sung and family/friends are all invited to join in the festivities. The ceremony is very fun and full of many different traditions by families.
• Mehndi – is taken to the bride’s home by the groom’s sister and brother-in-law. This mehndi is applied to her hands and feet, and the event closes with the bride eating half a date and the other half is given to the groom. This ritual is said to increase the love between the two.

Wedding Rituals

The wedding preparations start days before the actual wedding ceremony. Punjabi weddings are known to be very vibrant and colourful. The ceremony consists of many important rituals.

• Chuda – the wedding rituals begin at the bride’s home with the ‘chuda’ ceremony. A ‘havan’ or ‘puja’ is conducted by a priest, who later ties a ‘mauli’ to the bride’s wrist. The oldest uncle and aunt fast until the event is completed, as they play a key role in the ceremony. The bride’s wedding bangles are touched by all present, giving their best wishes and flower petals are sprinkled on the bride also. The bride’s uncle then ties gold or silver ornaments to the bride’s bangles.
• Vatna – the bride is sat in front of four ‘diyas’ (lamps). Oil is poured into the lamps so the reflection is made visible to the bride. A paste is made from turmeric powder and mustard oil and applied over the bride’s body by her female friends and relatives.
• Ghara ghardoli – the bride’s sibling visit a nearby temple and fill it with a pitcher of holy water. The bride is then bather with this water and then wears her wedding attire.
• *Both of these ceremonies also take place at the groom’s home as well, however the pitcher of holy water is brought by the groom’s sister-in-law.
• Sehrabandi – the groom is dressed in his wedding attire and a ‘puja’ is performed. The groom’s father then ties the ‘sehra’ on the groom’s head. The groom then wears a pink turban which is touched by everyone present at the ‘puja’. The groom is then given gifts.
• Ghodi chadna – is the final ceremony at the groom’s home, where his sister-in-law lines his eyes with ‘surma’. The groom’s sisters and cousins then feed him and ward off the evil eye from him. He then climbs his horse and leaves his home for the wedding venue.
• Milni – when the groom’s party reaches the wedding venue, the bride’s relatives give him a warm welcome and exchange garlands. The bride’s relatives then give him ‘shagun’ (tokens of good luck) starting from eldest to youngest.
• Varmala – is the beginning of the actual wedding rituals where the bride and groom exchange garlands. Friends and relatives usually begin to tease each other and make fun to enjoy the occasion. At the time of the ‘muhurat’ (time decided for the wedding) the priest conducts a ‘puja’ (ceremony) for the groom, in which he is asked to chant the first few ‘mantras’. The bride’s sisters try to steal the groom’s shoes at this point, which is a fun tradition where they then charge him to buy his shoes back after the wedding ceremonies.
• Kanyadaan & phere – the bride’s father gives his daughters hand to the groom in front of the sacred fire. The groom later applies vermillion to his bride’s hair partition and ties the ‘mangalsutra’ to her neck.

Post-Wedding Rituals

Punjabis love to celebrate even a few days after the wedding.

• Vidaai – is the ceremony at which the bride departs from her home into her husband’s home. She says goodbye to her parents and friends. While leaving her home, she throws a hand full of rice back towards the home as a token for her father’s prosperity and good luck. She then leaves with her husband.
• Swagat – the bride is welcomed to the groom’s home. Her mother-in-law waits at the entrance of her new home with bustard oil on both sides of the entrance door. A traditional ‘aarti’ is then performed for the bride and groom.
• Mooh dikhai ki rasam – is the formal introduction of the bride to the groom’s family. Her mother-in-law gives her jewellery and gifts to welcome her to the groom’s home. Other relatives then also give gifts.
• Reception – the groom’s parents throw a reception party where the newlywed couple are congratulated by all their family and friends.
• Pag – the newlywed couple visits the bride’s home the next day after marriage. The bride’s brother comes to their home to bring them back. The parents of the bride in the meanwhile prepare a special lunch and give the couple gifts. This is like a formal introduction of the groom to the bride’s family.

Indian Destination Wedding Food

Having a diverse multicultural team, we know the importance of international foods, especially at weddings. Therefore, at many resorts, it is possible for our Indian wedding groups to have Indian snack and meal items such as samosas, vegetable kabobs, chana masala, shrimp tikka, chicken tikka, gobi, chicken seekh kabab, masala sressing, yogurt with fresh herbs, serrano chutney, lemon rice, colorful marzipan of almond, walnut and saffron, doodh & coconut, karanji, and more.