| Kanya
Daan : |
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The
wedding rituals are performed in front of a sacred fire
and conducted by the acharya. The rituals begin with the
kanya daan or giving away the girl. The bride is given
away by her parents who abstain from eating to make
themselves pure in body and mind for the occasion. Their
folded hands reflect the hope that their son-in-law will
take good care of their daughter and never cause her pain.
They wash his feet as they believe that he is none other
than the Hindu Lord, Vishnu, to whom they are handing over
his rightful consort, the Goddess Laxmi in the form of
their daughter. |
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| Hasta
Milap : |
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In
this ritual, the groom's scarf or shawl is tied to the
bride's saree. This knot and the joined hands of the
couple symbolise the union of two souls joined together in
holy matrimony. The acharya chants mantras to invoke the
blessings of Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Parvati for the
saubhagyavrata or wife. The family and relatives present
also come together to bless the couple and shower grains
of rice and rose petals on them. |
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| Pheras
: |
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The
bride is dressed by her mother, female relatives and
friends amid much gaiety. She may wear a sari or a lehenga
in traditional colours like red, orange or magenta. She is
adorned with traditional gold jewellery like a nose ring,
etc. |
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| Saptapadi
: |
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The
saptapadi or seven steps is another important ritual that
makes up the wedding ceremony. The couple must go around
the holy fire seven times. The groom chants mantras with
each step. Through these mantras he seeks his bride's
support and makes a particular request to her with each
step. Thus, he makes seven requests totally. Among these
requests are that his wife take good care of the house,
cook wholesome and healthy meals for their family, be
thrifty with money, be an understanding and supporting
partner to him, etc. The bride, on her part, promises to
fulfill these requests. |
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