Indian Wedding Ceremony Traditions & Indian Wedding in Turkey

Published by Kingsman on 1st August, 2020

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Indian weddings culturally unite two souls spiritually, mentally, and physically. The marriage is not only a celebration of two people coming to be unified but rather the merging of two families.

Indian weddings are vibrant, intricately-planned, culture-rich festivities full of celebration and tradition. Whether you're invited as a guest, attending as a member of the wedding party, or are simply curious, there are a few Hindu wedding rituals and traditions you should expect to see. Just remember, you won't be alone. An intimate Indian wedding can consist of an average of about 150-200 guests

What should I wear to a Indian wedding? 

  • It's common for guests to wear traditional Indian clothes like saris or lenghas for women and long-sleeved tunics and pants for men. Consider wearing traditional Indian attire with beadwork and embroidery to as many events as possible Indian weddings are very glamorous and lavish, and this means dressing the part will create an unforgettable experience. Build each event outfit as if you were outdoing yourself from the last event, saving your most glamorous outfit for the day of the wedding ceremony and reception. If you decide to go with a more western option, remember that women should have their shoulders, legs, and occasionally arms covered. Men should wear long sleeves and long pants. Both men and women need to bring something to cover their heads during the ceremony. Bold, vibrant colors are heavily encouraged but be sure to stay away from white (associated with funerals), black (considered unlucky), and red as this is the color the bride wears.

How long is a Indian wedding? 

  • The events of a Indian wedding normally take place over the span of three days with different events taking place on each day. The main ceremony and reception on the third day, as well as the sangeet during the second day, are attended by most of the guests. The ganesh pooja ceremony that commences the wedding events on the first day is usually an intimate event with only close family in attendance. "Be prepared for early morning events," advises Patel. "Hindu wedding celebrations are based on auspicious times predetermined and provided by the priest."

Will there be alcoholic drinks? 

  • It's important for attendees to know that there is no alcohol served or brought to the Indian wedding ceremony. The ceremony is impactful in many religious traditions and customs starting at one-and-a-half hours leading into a three-hour-long ceremony.

 

Should I bring a gift? 

  • Gifts are usually not brought to a ceremony, though this can vary. If you intend to gift something to the couple, have it shipped to their home. The only exception is if you intend to present them with a monetary gift, in which case this would be given in an envelope at the wedding reception.

 

1SANGEET

Prior to the actual wedding, there's a pre-party called the sangeet or garba (depending on the regional background) where family comes together to sing, dance, and revel in the joy of the upcoming union. Family members even give performances. The bride's family sings a traditional folk song to the groom's family to welcome them. 03of 15 The Bride's Hands and Feet Are Adorned With Henna Paint During a Mehndi Ceremony.

 

2MEHNDI CEREMONY

During the mehndi ceremony, which also takes place in Muslim weddings, henna is used to apply intricate designs of temporary decorative art to the bride's hands and feet. Another common tradition is to hide the groom’s name somewhere in the henna design and have the groom find it .The mehndi ceremony usually takes place one day before the marriage will be held, as the application can take hours. This event is traditionally only attended by the bride's close female friends and family members.

 

3THE GROOM’S ARRIVAL

Upon Groom’s 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 favorite parts of Indian 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.

 

4THE FATHER OF BRIDE GIVES HER AWAY

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.

 

5THE COUPLE WEDS UNDER A PAVILION

The wedding pavilon, 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. 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.

 

6INDIAN WEDDING BEGIN WITH PRAYER TO GANESHA

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.

 

7EXCHANING FLORAL GARLANDS DURING THE JAI MALA

A jai mala is a flower garland that is exchanged between the bride and groom The jai mala symbolizes the partners welcoming each other into their families and takes place after the Ganesha. Without it marriage is not considered to be complete.

 

8THE BRIDE AND GROOM’S GARMENTS ARE TIED TOGETHER AS THEY CIRCLE A FIRE

During the saptapadi, the bride and groom have their garments tied together typically the bride's veil and the groom's sash. The main significance of the saptapadi is establishing friendship, which is the basis of a Indian marriage.

 

9THE NEWLYWEDS SHOWER EACH OTHER WITH RICE

The couple showers one another with a mixture of rice, turmeric, saffron, and even pearls. This tradition symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and happiness.

 

10RED POWDER IS APPLIED TO THE BRIDE’S HAIR SIGNIFYING SHE IS MARRIED

Sindoor, a red-orange powder, is applied to the part of a woman's hair, symbolizing her new status as a married woman once the ceremony is complete.

 

11INDIAN VIDAAI CEREMONY

As a Indian bride officially leaves her home to start a new life with her husband, the goodbyes are heartwarming and tearful during the Vidaai ceremony. She walks away spreading happiness and prosperity by taking handfuls of rice and coins to be directly thrown over her head to show her appreciation for the time and love given to her in the home of her parents. The Vidaai ceremony is the symbolic end of the wedding festivities and characterized by the bride's parents giving a final farewell to their daughter.

 

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