Indian Wedding Celebrations are Lavish Affairs Full of Fun and Laughter
India is a vast sub-continent with the second largest population in the world with many different religious beliefs, cultures and customs. Regardless of regional idiosyncrasies the one link they all share is the lavish way in which they celebrate their weddings. With that in mind the best this article can hope to achieve is to look at a small segment of what is likely to occur at an Indian wedding celebration.
To begin with Indian weddings seldom takes place without first having a consultation with the priest or designated holy man. This consultation includes him looking at the couple’s astrological charts to decide compatible. Once compatibility has been established the engagement can then take place preferably on a date which coincide with good astrological omens. The preamble leading up to the big day can take up to five days. Before the wedding the engagement ceremony known as the or ‘Sangeet’ is held in the home of the bride where the couple exchange rings. This is usually a small affair attended by close family members involving lots of music, dancing fun and merrymaking.
During this engagement party the bride and her female guests and family members paint their hands and feet with henna, incorporating age old designs steeped in their cultural heritage. In preparation for the wedding ceremony the wedding venue is decorated with lots of loose flowers, garlands of flowers and a ceremonial fire is lit in a focal point within the venue.
The marriage ceremony begins with the arrival of the groom accompanied by his friends and family members, with musicians in attendance and also fireworks. When the group arrives the groom is greeted by the bride’s family and friends at the door and before he is allowed to enter, the mother of the bride performs a special ceremony called ‘Aarati’. This involves her rotating a small lit lamp in front of the groom, after which he is allowed to enter to find the bride is already waiting. The couple then exchange garlands as a symbol of life-long mutual respect. They are then given gifts by their guest accompanied with congratulations and wishes for a happy married life.
The next and most important segment is the exchange of marital vows in the presence of God. During this part of the proceedings they join the priest in a religious chant, whilst he ties together a piece of the bride and groom's wedding garments, the couple then moves seven times around a ceremonial fire. During the ceremony Hindu brides have vermillion applied to the parting in her hair then the groom places a string of beads made of either gold or silver interwoven black beads around the neck of the bride which she is supposed to wear throughout her married life.
As if to prolong the enjoyment for as long as possible, there is a post-wedding reception party often more lavish that the actual wedding day party. Guests are served with sumptuous dishes using delicacies reserved especially for these special occasions. Depending on the region the dishes may be either vegetarian or carnivorous, however sweets and sweet dishes are a very important part of the feast.
After a good feed, party games are played to burn off some of the energy. One of the most common games involves the bride’s sisters. They hide the grooms shoes then negotiate a price for its return. This provokes a great deal of fun, laughter and excitement. The newly wedded couple also participate in party games for the amusement and entertainment of their guests, who become involved by choosing to support one or the other.
After all the ceremony, fun and frivolity comes time for the bride to finally leave her parents home and take up residence with her husband in his parents home, in effect becoming part of his family. The overall concept of Indian marriages is not just the celebration of a marriage, but literal merging of two families.
