IndianWeddingCard

The Wedding of

XXX

&

YYY

April 15, 2006

8090, Albert hall, NY, USA

                           Bara Yatra/ Baraat

The marriage celebrations commence with the arrival of the groom with his family and friends in a procession called the Bara Yaatra or Baraat.   The bride’s mother will welcome the groom and give her blessings.  The groom will then step onto a clay vessel crushing it into many pieces. This demonstrates that he has the ability, strength and determination to overcome all obstacles that the couple may face in their married life.

                     Ganesh Puja

The ceremony begins with the worship of Lord Ganesh, who is the remover of all obstacles and a symbol of peace, friendship, and happiness.

Kanya Aagman

The arrival of the bride will be preceded by a procession of flower girls.  The bride will then be escorted to the mandap by her maternal uncles.  The bride and groom will exchange garlands (Jai mala), signifying the union of two bodies and two souls into one entity as well as proclaiming their love and mutual acceptance of each other.

Kanya Daan

The ceremony proceeds with the Kanya Daan, the giving away of the bride by her parents.   The bride’s parents wash the feet of the bride and groom with milk and water, purifying them for their new life together.  The bride's father places his hand under his daughters and puts her hand on top of the right hand of the groom, symbolizing the union of the couple and his blessing. The bride and groom's hands are filled with betel nuts, copper coins, and rice, signifying unity, prosperity, and happiness.  Water purifies their union and milk blesses them with happiness and prosperity.
 

                          Hasta Melap

To complete the symbolic union, the groom’s scarf is tied to the bride’s sari in a cord known as Hasta Melap or “Complete Union.”  This knot and the joined hands of the couple symbolize the union of two souls joined together in holy matrimony.  The family and relatives present also come together to bless the couple and shower more grains of rice and rose petals on them for their everlasting happiness.

Agni Sthaapna

The sacred fire, representing Agni, the God of Fire, is lit to symbolize purity and act as witness to the union.  The bride and groom jointly offer ghee, or clarified butter, rice, and sandalwood to Agni to signify the spirit of sacrifice and partnership.

Mangal Phera

The bride and groom will circle the fire four times.  The four pheras symbolize the four goals of married life. Dharma  - to remain true to one’s beliefs and values; Artha – to provide for one’s family; Kama – to obtain emotional and physical fulfillment; Moksha  - to achieve enlightenment and liberation

                             Sapta Padi

The couple holds each others hands and take seven steps, each symbolizing a sacred vow:

1. Let us live with honor and respect.
2. Let us be happy and enjoy life.
3. Let us share joys and pains together.
4. Let us not forget parents and elders.
5. Let us observe all acts of charity.
6. Let us live a long and peaceful life.
7. Let us be friends with love and sacrifice.

Sindhur Daan

The above pledges having been made, the groom puts a red mark on her forehead and places the sindhur powder in the parting of her hair. The brilliant red vermilion powder represents the life giving blood that flows in us all. By anointing the bride with the vermilion, the groom is promising to cherish her and protect her as if she were his own life. He also promises to protect her with his own life. At this time, he also offers her an auspicious necklace – Mangal Sutra - to signify their marriage.
 

   

                  Akhand Saubhagua Vati

The mothers of the bride and groom, and close female relatives will whisper blessings to the bride and sprinkle grains of rice over the couple as a blessing.

Aashirwaad

The priest prays for blessings from the supreme Lord for the well being of the newlyweds and of those assembled. Then friends and relatives sprinkle rice and flowers on the couple.  The couple touches the feet of their parents and the elders in both the families thereby demonstrating their respect for them and at the same time receiving their blessings.

I Am My Beloved’s And My Beloved Is Mine

-XXX