Simplified Indian Wedding Rituals for Today’s Generation

Indian ceremonies consist of many rituals. Each ritual has a certain meaning. Here is a list of the essential rituals in an Indian ceremony. These traditions have been followed since the institution of marriage was created. In today’s interfaith ceremonies, it is important to understand the meaning behind each custom.

EXCHANGE OF GARLANDS

Garlands signify mutual acceptance and honoring each other.

It should be the first ritual before sitting down for the ceremony.

Lighting of fire and offerings:

Fire is the symbol of illumination of the mind and also serves as a pure and sacred witness of the marriage ceremony.

We offer flowers for beauty, coconut for fertility, rice for sustenance, and candy for the sweet things in life. After the offerings, light the sacred fire.

THE JOINING OF HANDS

Celebrant: There is an ancient Indian ritual that joins the hands of the bride and groom on their wedding day. The couple’s hands are tied together symbolizing their spiritual union.

THE SEVEN SACRED CIRCLES

Celebrating:

In the Indian tradition, the bride and groom take seven circles to symbolize the beginning of their journey through life together. These circles represent principles and mutual promises. It is said that if the bride and groom walk seven circles together, they will become friends for life. Jason and Tejal will surround the sacred fire (Fire Pit), which is a symbol of purity.

1. Step one: (share)

We promise to respect each other and care for each other’s well-being, both material and spiritual.

2. Step Two (Family Dharma)

Together we will protect and provide for our family.

3. Step Three (Harmonious Life)

We take an oath of trust and loyalty to each other.

4. Step Four (Growth)

We will fill the lives of others with the most important human values: love, compassion, understanding, sacrifice and service.

5. Step five (reformulation)

Let us reconfirm our four vows of love, family duty, harmony and growth.

6. Step Six (Spiritual Development and Social Obligations)

We will perform all acts of justice.

7. Seventh Step (Eternal Bond)

Now with these seven steps, we are related as husband and wife and our bond is eternal. May our love and friendship become eternal.

SWEET EXCHANGE

Sharing sweets between the couple and the parents represents bringing sweet moments into your life with the important new beginning of the marriage.

EXTERIOR

The jewel of a bride on her wedding day is the sindoor (red powder) that her husband applies on the wedding day. The sindoor means that the bride is a married woman and belongs to her husband.

MANGAL-SUTRA

After sindoor is the mangalsutra, which symbolizes the eternal commitment of the groom to the bride.

These are just a few simplistic traditions that I have implemented when performing interfaith ceremonies. There are so many different Indian cultures and each culture brings its own customs. You may want to ask the bride or groom if they are Gujrati, Bengali, Punjabi and the list goes on. Look at your cultural traditions and add more rituals.