Welcome to the marriage of
XXX
and
YYY

April 15, 2006

The traditional Hindu wedding customs originated centuries ago from the Rig Veda, the most ancient Hindu scripture.  The ceremony is performed in Sanskrit, the most ancient surviving language.  The ceremony is solemnized in the presence of God and the five elements of nature: Fire, Earth, Water, Air, and Light. The Hindu ceremony represents an eternal bond between the Bride and Groom.

Officiating Priest:
XXX
(Greater Baltimore Temple)

Barat
(Bridegroom’s Procession)

The Groom, accompanied by relatives and friends, arrives at the Bride’s doorstep.  The Bride’s Mother performs welcome rituals. These rituals also serve to drive away evil spirits and protect the Groom.  The Groom is escorted to the Lagna Mandap.

                      Ganesh Puja

Prior to the Bride’s arrival, blessings are invoked from the Lord Ganesh for the protection of all involved and the removal of all obstacles.  Lord Ganesh is worshipped at all auspicious occasions because he is deemed to be the most benevolent of all Hindu deities.
 

                      Jai Mala Arpan
                   (Exchange of Garlands)

The Bride and Groom welcome each other by exchanging flower garlands.  This gesture symbolizes the unifications of their hearts and the giving of their consent to marry each other.

Kanyadan
(Giving Away the Bride)

Panigrahan
(Holding of Hands)

The father presents the Bride. The father places his hand above the Groom’s hand and then places the Bride’s hand over his hand.  The father symbolically offers the Bride to the Groom by removing his hand and leaving the bride’s hand in the Groom’s hand.

Holding each other’s hand, the Bride and Groom accept each other and exchange marriage vows.  This also signifies that they will go hand in hand throughout their lives.

                 Granthi Bandhan
           (Tying the Matrimonial Knot)

The Bride and Groom are united by yet another symbolic action of tying the matrimonial knot and strengthening further the bonds of love and an everlasting relationship.

                     
                       Laja Homs
          (Offering of Puffed Paddy)

The Bride’s brother gives her a puffed paddy which she offers into the fire to reaffirm her bond with the families and her prayer for the welfare of her husband and both families.

                   Mangal Fera
        (Holy Rounds Around the Fire)

The Couple proceeds around the Holy Fire seven times as the priest chants blessings from God.

                     Sapta Padi
                   (Seven Steps)

According to Hindu scriptures the following seven steps are taken together by the Bride and Groom.

The first step is for providing for each other.

The second step is for sharing in good and bad times.

The third step for prosperity and devotion.

The fourth step for children and their well being.

The fifth step for care, trust, and honor.

The sixth step for self restraint and longevity.

The seventh step for eternal love and friendship.

                       Sindurdan
                           &
                     Mangalsutra

(Applying the Red Powder & Giving the Marital Necklace)

The Groom applies Sindoor (vermillion-red powder) to the Bride’s hair along the part, signifying the Bride as his wife. This is the sacred powder which confirms them as husband and wife. The Groom then places the Mangalsutra (black bead necklace) on the Bride.

                           Ashirvad
                           Blessings

The newly married couple is blessed with good wishes from parents, relatives, and friends.

Vidai
Farewell

This denotes the parent’s farewell to their daughter. The Bride now begins an important role in her life as a wife.  The Bride throws a fistful of rice so that the house of her childhood remains prosperous and happy.

We would like to give special thanks to Panditji for performing our ceremony, and we’d like to thank our parents, families, and friends for sharing this special day with us. Thank you for your blessings as we begin our life together. 

~ XXX and YYY