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There is nothing impromptu about Wedding ceremonies in India. Everything is well thought off and planned. Dates are fixed after consulting astrological charts and almanac.
The ceremonies are much more than invitations, d�cor, entertainment, fineries and clothes. It is first of all the bondage of two hearts and mental compatibility. Families play a major part in Indian weddings. Rituals are well adhered to in authentic Wedding ceremonies in India. The whole affairs are elaborate lasting for four to five days. The occasion is divided into three parts- pre marriage ceremonies, the main day function, and post marriage ceremonies.
The main day of the wedding involves rigorous rituals and traditions. The symbolic significance of these rituals are manifold. For instance Sapta Padi is one of the integral parts of the main marriage ceremony which involves the bride and groom taking their marriage vow while completing the seven rounds together. Mantras of loyalty, love and commitment are chanted by the priest while the married couple completes the seven rounds.
Though the Wedding ceremonies in India are time consuming each tradition and ceremonies have their own significance. For instance there is a marked absence of the color black in these ceremonies. Red is supposed to be the color of the newly wed bride. Banana leaves are considered auspicious for the occasion. Moreover weddings in India also give everyone a chance to get together. Relatives travel long distance to be there beside their loved ones on this special occasion. The strong sense of intimacy is well evident amongst all classes of people in India.. It also shows that by nature Indians are social beings.
Pre Wedding Ceremonies in India forms an integral part of the Wedding ceremonies in India. A lot of traditional rituals and rites are performed before the main day occasions. Though these rituals may differ as per different races and cultural groups they are given utmost importance. However each of the custom has one thing in common and that is to prepare the bride and the bride groom for the auspicious marriage day. Some of the most important pre weeding rituals are sangeet, haldi, mehendi and tilak. Dressed in all their fineries and amongst their family members they perform the holy rites, engage in merrymaking and fun, and take the blessing of the multitudes present. The occasions are further enlivened by dance, mehendi rituals and general discussions on love, marriage, and after marriage commitments.
One still have to go through the rigorous Post Wedding Ceremonies in India
to complete the whole marriage ritual. According to Hindu norms when the bride departs with her groom from her parental house, she is blessed by all her relatives and friends. This is known as Vidaai and forms an integral part of the post weeding ceremony. It may be performed differently in different regions and amongst different races. Asshirvaad or blessing ceremony is followed by Pani Varna or aarti of the bride in the grooms place. The bride knocks over a vial of mustard oil or an urn of rice before entering the Groom's place. This is regarded as an auspicious occasion. It is supposed to be a symbolic representation of the Laxmi goddess.
Wedding ceremonies in India may be time consuming, ritualistic and elaborate. However that is the main charm of these ceremonies. Each ceremony is performed with the view to bring the groom and bride close to each other while giving them space and time to adjust.
indiaprofile.com offers online information on Wedding Ceremonies in India.
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