Happy Indian Independence Day! With over 500 languages and 6,000 dialects, the diverse cultures and religions of India shape today’s wedding ceremonies, and so Indian weddings vary based on their region of origin. Many different rituals that are part of an Indian wedding ceremony also can take place over several days. As one of the world’s most religiously and ethnically diverse lands, India boasts unique, culturally rich wedding ceremonies that run from elegant and sophisticated to beautifully intricate. Part of the complexity stems from the concept that when an Indian couple marries, entire families and communities are involved. So on such an auspicious occasion, we bring to you 5 heartwarming Indian wedding traditions that are sure to fill your eyes with happy tears!
Vidaai
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Okay, don’t cry! One of the most emotionally charged moments at a Hindu wedding, a bride’s vidaai is the final farewell to her old life and starting new. Not all brides’ farewells end with sparklers and smiles. As a Hindu bride officially leaves her home to start a new life with her spouse, the goodbyes are heartwarming and tearful during the vidaai ceremony. She walks away spreading happiness and prosperity by taking handfuls of rice and coins to be directly thrown over her head to show her appreciation for the time and love given to her in the home of her parents.
Kanyadaan
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Kanyadaan means “giving away the bride” in Sanskrit and is a symbolic ritual that takes place during Hindu wedding ceremonies. First, the bride’s father will take his daughter’s right hand and place it in the groom’s right hand. This symbolizes the request for the couple to enter into marriage as equal partners. Additionally, the ritual symbolizes the parent’s acceptance of the marriage and represents letting go.
Pheras
Pictures Courtesy: @kristinaadamsphoto / Planner: @santabarbaraelopement
The agni, or holy fire, is central to an Indian wedding ceremony. It acts as a witness and is the centerpiece of the day. The bride and the groom’s garments are tied together in a knot and they take seven circles around the sacred fire while promising to be each other’s eternal mates in life’s journey.
Stealing The Shoe
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One of the most sought-after traditions or pranks during the whole ceremony is the Hiding of the groom’s shoes, popularly called Joota Chupai, by the Bride’s sisters and close friends. It is a fun-filled ceremony, in which traditionally, the bride’s sisters hide the shoes removed by the Groom during the pheras. It is a battle between the bride’s and groom’s siblings and friends, where one set tries to steal the shoes, and the other side(the groom’s), tries to protect them from the predators! If the Bride’s side is successful in stealing the shoes, they return them only after receiving a handsome amount of money or shagun from the groom.
Haldi & Mehendi
Picture Courtesy: @errikosandreouphoto
According to Indian wedding traditions, applying henna to the hands, feet, and arms of a woman is said to aid fertility, ward off evil, and attract positive energy. Hidden within the bride’s intricate artwork are the names of both the bride and groom, which the groom is meant to find as a further sign of good luck.
Picture Courtesy: @rimisen.in
Another fun ritual is the Haldi day, typically done 2-3 days before the wedding day where the bride and groom apply haldi, a yellow turmeric paste, onto themselves for good luck. The paste is believed to enhance the look and provide powerful healing properties. Laughter, leg-pulling, camaraderie and the pungent, tangy whiff of turmeric in the air – a Haldi ceremony is all this and more.
We hope you loved all these Hindu wedding rituals and remembered your own! Celebrating love, freedom and peace, wishing you a spirit of success and health!
Love, DWP!
Feature Image Credit: @scottclarkphoto
