| Hindu sacraments are called 'sanskars' and the | | | | This is the ceremony of vows. The husband, holding |
| sacraments performed at the time of a wedding are | | | | his wife's hand, says "I hold your hand in the spirit of |
| called 'Vivah Sanskar'. | | | | Dharma, we are both husband and wife". |
| This sanskar marks the start of the second and the | | | | Both husband and wife walk around the sacred fire |
| most important stage of life called the 'Grihistha | | | | four times. The bride leading three times and the |
| Ashrama' which involves setting up of a new family | | | | fourth time the groom leads. He is reminded of his |
| unit. | | | | responsibilities. The couple join their hands into which |
| Two individuals who are considered to be compatible | | | | the bride's brothers pour some barley which is |
| form a lifelong partnership at this ceremony in which | | | | offered to the fire symbolising that they all will jointly |
| the responsibilities and duties of a householder are | | | | work for the welfare of the society. The husband |
| explained. | | | | marks the parting in his wife's hair with red kumkum |
| The main stages of a Hindu wedding are: | | | | powder for the first time. This is called 'sindoor' and is |
| Firstly, the bride's parents welcome the bridegroom | | | | a distinctive mark of a married Hindu woman. |
| and his family at the boundary of the house where | | | | This is the main and the legal part of the ceremony. |
| the wedding is taking place. A red kum-kum (kind of | | | | The couple walk seven steps reciting a prayer at |
| powder) mark is applied to their forehead. Members | | | | each step. These are the seven vows which are |
| from both families are formally introduced, marking | | | | exchanged. The first for food, the second for |
| the start of relationship between two families. The | | | | strength, the third for prosperity, the fourth for |
| bride and the bridegroom then exchange garlands | | | | wisdom, the fifth for progeny, the sixth for health |
| (jayamaala) and declare: "Let all the learned persons | | | | and the seventh for friendship. In some regions, in |
| present here know, we are accepting each other | | | | stead of walking the seven steps, the bride touches |
| willingly, voluntarily and pleasantly. Our hearts are | | | | seven stones or nuts with her right toe. A symbolic |
| concordant and united like waters." | | | | matrimonial knot is tied after this ceremony. |
| The bridegroom is brought to a specially decorated | | | | The couple are blessed by the elders and the priest |
| altar and offered a seat and a welcoming drink - a | | | | for a long and prosperous married life. |
| mixture of milk, ghee, yoghurt, honey and sugar. | | | | It is important to clarify two misconceptions about |
| Nowadays, the symbolic exchange of gifts, | | | | Hindu marriages: arranged marriages and child |
| particularly clothes and ornaments takes place. The | | | | marriages. |
| groom's mother gives a necklace, a Mangla sootra. to | | | | The couple are blessed by the elders and the priest |
| the bride. Mangla sootra is the emblem of marital | | | | for a long and prosperous married life |
| status for a Hindu woman. The bride's father declares | | | | Hindu scriptures prohibit use of force or coercion in |
| that their daughter has accepted the bridegroom and | | | | marriages. |
| requests them to accept her. | | | | Arranged marriages are based on agreement from |
| A sacred fire is lit and the (Priest) recites the sacred | | | | both the bride and the groom, and should not be |
| mantras in Sanskrit. Oblations are offered to the fire | | | | confused with forced marriages. |
| whilst saying the prayers. The words "Id na mama" | | | | In the Vedic period, child marriages were strictly |
| meaning "it is not for me" are repeated after the | | | | prohibited. Later, due to political and economical |
| offerings. This teaches the virtue of selflessness | | | | changes, some new social traditions started which |
| required to run a family. | | | | deviated from the Vedic teachings. Child marriages |
| A sacred fire is lit and the (Priest) recites the sacred | | | | are now banned in India. |
| mantras in Sanskrit. | | | | |