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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.
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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. |
