Indian weddings, also called ‘Vivaah’, are best known for the grandeur, traditions, grace, colors and almost carnival-type celebration associated with this sacred event (Patwari, 2013). There has been already said about the rituals, layout and dynamic parts of the wedding.
In pre-wedding rituals, the main wedding ceremony is preceded by two major events. One is the engagement ceremony and the other is the ‘Mehendi’ or ‘Sangeet’ ceremony (Patwari, 2013). The engagement ceremony takes place on an auspicious date fixed by the elders of the family after consultation with the priest. During this ceremony, the couple exchange wedding rings. ‘Mehendi’ is another fun-filled event that takes place at the bride’s house just a day before the actual wedding (Patwari, 2013).A professional mehendi artist or relative will apply henna in intricate designs to the hands and feet of the bride and other women in the family. These intricate designs symbolize joy, beauty, spiritual awakening and offering.
Indian weddings not only unite Bride and Groom but also their families. In weddings ceremony, the main ceremony begins with the arrival of the groom’s procession, Baraat. The members who join the Baraat are called the ‘Baraatis’ (Patwari, 2013). When the Baraatis reach the beautifully decorated wedding venue, the bride's family gives them a warm welcome. Soon after the entry of the groom, the auspicious 'Jaimala' ceremony takes place (Patwari, 2013). The bride and groom meet each other and exchange garlands. This ceremony signifies that the couple accept one another.
Then, the most important section of the wedding, where the bride and the groom exchange vows in front of God while chanting slokas (hymns) with the priest. After that, the 'Phera' or 'saatphere' ritual takes place where a knot is tied with a part of the bride's dress and the groom's dress, and they move around the ceremonial fire for seven times (Patwari, 2013). Each round or phera has its own significance. In the...