Marriage is one of the most significant events in one's life and the sanctity that is associated with it is unparalleled. While religious rites, functions, ceremonies, hulla balloo are there in every marriage, it is more so in the case of Hindu marriages. A traditional Hindu wedding is an elaborate affair and lasts for five to six days. Hindu marriages connote elaborate rituals, customs and colorful celebrations. Every wedding ritual is immensely significant and is followed with much dedication. The function comprises three parts: pre wedding function, wedding day function and post wedding function.

Pre wedding ceremony

Barni Bandhwana: This is a ritual that is performed 15 days before the main day wedding. In this ceremony prayers are offered to Lord Ganesha to invoke his blessings for the marriage to happen without any obstacles.

Byaha Haath: During this ceremony a paste of sandalwood powder, rose water and turmeric is applied on the face hands and feet of the bride and the groom. After this ceremony the bride and the groom are not allowed to go outside of the house.

Sangeet Sandhya: This is one of the most important events before the marriage day. It is an evening of lively entertainment. The event is celebrated amidst much song and dance by the family and friends of the bride and the groom.

Tilak Ceremony: Tilak is an auspicious mark that is applied by the male members of the bride's family on the groom's forehead. This is followed by giving gifts to the groom.

Mehendi: This event is celebrated by applying Mehendi (Henna)on the hands and feet of the bride. It is believed that the deeper the color of the mehendi is on the hands of the bride, the luckier she would be after marriage.

Wedding ceremonies

Var Mala: This is the exchanging of the garlands between the bride and the groom. It signifies the acceptance of each other a husband and wife. It starts the other rituals of the wedding day.

Havan: This is the most important ritual of the wedding day. The priest ties the end of the bride's saree to that of an end of the groom's dress signifying holy wedlock. The bride and the groom then take seven rounds around the sacred fire chanting marriage vows for a happy married life.

Kanya Daan: This ceremony is usually performed by the bride's father wherein he gives the hand of his daughter to the groom asking him to take care of her. The groom recites hymns and asks for blessings.

Post wedding ceremonies

Vidaai: This is an emotional occasion when the bride takes leave of her parents' house and proceeds towards her husband's house. She is given a tearful farewell by her family and friends.

Griha Pravesh: This is the rousing welcome that is given to the bride at the house of the groom. The bride kicks a vessel full of rice and coins symbolizing wealth and fertility and enters her new abode.

Mooh Dikhai: The groom's family next starts a series of rituals and wedding games. This helps the new member to be comfortable and at ease in the family.