Visit any 10 families in your locality and ask any two elder family members about differ-
ent rituals performed in marriage 15-20 years back and now.
Answers
Answer:
04
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The Bride Wears a Red Dress
Indian Bride in Red and Gold Sari
JOY MARIE STUDIOS
The bride's garments will be red (also the case for Muslim brides). "Traditionally a South Asian bride will wear a red sari or a modern lengha to be wrapped in on her wedding day," says Patel. "The beautiful patterns and richness of the color with gold embroidery in her outfit symbolize commitment and fertility."
05
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The Groom's Arrival Is a Celebration in Itself
Groom's arrival
EDWARD WINTER FOR READYLUCK
The arrival of the groom and his party to the ceremony site, called the vara yatra or baraat, is celebrated with great joy. "While the bride’s guests arrive at the destination and are directed straight to the hall, the groom’s guests need to be prepared to join the baraat procession which will enter with the groom," explains Patel. "This means that upon arrival, the groom’s guests will be redirected to join the ‘mini parade’ instead of going straight to the hall. The baraat is personally one of my favorite parts of Hindu weddings as it is such a fun experience with music and dance, and the groom’s side has such a great time!"
They are greeted by the bride's parents, family, and friends amidst live music and dancing. The party is welcomed with a special rice toss, known as akshat, and the groom is presented with a plate carrying a lit lamp (or arati), and a garland. Sometimes a tilak, or dot on the forehead, is also administered.
06
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The Father of the Bride Gives Her Away
Bride processional in hindu wedding
EDWARD WINTER FOR READYLUCK
The bride will be led to the ceremony by either her brothers or uncles. The moment the father gives the bride away is known as the kanyadaan. In the Hindu tradition, no man can claim a woman until she is offered. During the ceremony, the father of the bride places his daughter's hands into the groom's hands as a gesture of giving her away.
The mother of the bride may also pour water into the bride's hand, which will flow through her fingers and into the hand of her groom. Alternately the mother of the bride would pour water into her husband's hand, which would then flow into the hands of the newlyweds.
07
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The Couple Weds Under a Mandap
Couple under mandap
EDWARD WINTER FOR READYLUCK
The wedding mandap, or wedding altar, is a temporary structure constructed for the purpose of the marriage ceremony. It may appear on an elevated platform and is decorated with anything from flowers and greenery to fabric and crystals. The couple is traditionally joined beneath the mandap by their parents and the ceremony officiant.
08
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A Fire Burns in the Center of the Mandap
Homam ceremony in hindu wedding
BIA SAMPAIO
In the center of the mandap, a fire is kindled. A Hindu marriage is a sacrament, not a contract. To signify the viability of the ceremony, fire is kept as a witness and offerings are made. The bride's brother gives three fistfuls of puffed rice to the bride as a wish for his sister's happy marriage. Each time, the bride offers the rice to the fire. This offering is known as a homam.
See How This Couple Hosted Both a Hindu and Christian Ceremony in Just One Day
09
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Hindu Wedding Rituals Begin With a Prayer to Ganesha
Hindu wedding prayer
JILLIAN MITCHELL
The ceremony begins with a prayer to Ganesha, the god of beginnings and good fortune and the remover of obstacles. Salutations are offered so that Ganesha may pave the way for the couple's married life.
10
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The Couple Exchanges Floral Garlands During the Jai Mala
bride and groom exchanging floral garland
NICOLA TONOLINI
"A jai mala is a flower garland that is exchanged between the bride and groom," explains Patel. "To us Hindus, the jai mala symbolizes the partners welcoming each other into their families and takes place after the Ganesha. Without it, we do not consider a marriage to be complete." In the U.S. or other fusion weddings, the ring ceremony usually follows.
11
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The Groom Adorns the Bride With a Necklace Called the Mangala Sutra
Indian bride
JILLIAN MITCHELL
The groom places a necklace of black and gold beads on the bride. Traditionally, Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity, is invoked in the mangala sutra and the bride is said to receive blessings throughout her marriage.
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