A traditional Hindu wedding is a collection of various Vedic rituals which signifies an important transition in life. The wedding brings together the bride and the groom to a blissful union, blessed by the gods, families, and friends.

The wedding rituals start much before the actual wedding ceremony. These rituals conducted by the bride and the groom’s families individually as well as collectively are performed to bring good luck and eliminate any obstacles to the wedding. These rituals are conducted as prescribed in Vedic texts and predominantly include poojas to the family deities and Ganapati.

Some of the prominent pre-wedding rituals include Naandi, Hoovilya, Chappara Pooja and Vara Pooja. During these rituals, the families of the bride and groom reinforce their commitment and express their approval. All these rituals are performed under the guidance of a learned purohit.

On the wedding day, the purohit cleanses the wedding altar by performing Mantapa Pooja. The bride and the groom, after having performed other rituals, will be made to sit on the altar within a sacred circle, in front of the fire, symbolizing the fire god Agni. The bride and the groom recite mantras and perform Akshatharopana, praying for their married life to be long and prosperous.

At a predetermined auspicious time, the groom ties a sacred mangalya thread around the bride’s neck, promising happiness, and a long healthy future. The bride and the groom, with Agni as witness, promise each other of a lifelong friendship, love, and unwavering support to each other through the “thicks and thins” of life. The wedding is finally solemnized by the couple taking seven full circles around the fire, exchanging seven vows in a ritual known as Sapthapadi.

The wedding ceremony is then concluded with the newlywed couple looking at Arundhati and Dhruva Nakshatras, considered to be the embodiments of the qualities of an ideal husband and wife.

The wedding ceremony is usually attended by the immediate and extended families and friends of the bride and the groom. The event concludes with a full course meal and tamboola served to everyone in attendance.