Ceremonies Attributed to Indian Weddings

Marriage is also called as matrimony or conjugal bond, is socially or ritually recognized conjunction between two individuals that establishes rights and commitment between them and their children and their in-laws. The definition of marriage deviates according to different cultures, but it is principally a foundation in which interpersonal relationships are conceded. Individuals may marry for several reasons, including legal, social, emotional, financial, psychological, and religious purposes. Whom they marry may be influenced by socially determined rules of incest, dictatorial marriage rules, parental choice and distinctive passion. India is a place where people of diverse cultures reside. People with different cultures celebrate several festivals following their traditions and rituals. Marriages in India are no less than a festival. Marriage is considered to be the great event in one’s life in India. People related to groom and bride celebrates the wedding to the fullest and makes it a happening occasion by adding all the colors of joy and happiness into it. A number of rituals are performed as these are believed to be related with the welfare of Indian bride and groom.

Indian Believes about Marriage: 

According to Indian culture, a marriage is not considered as a matter of one life but it is believed that if once knot is tied between husband and wife, the relation lasts for seven lives. But with the passage of time, Indian society is also undergoing a change where old believes are being shattered away and new ideologies are being accepted. For an example, where in older days, bride and groom could not see each other before marriage. They can see each other after the wedding ceremony only; today they are free enough to choose their life partner on their own. Though, we can give a number of examples where Indian society is undergoing a change especially with reference to marriages, but still there are a number of interdiction like dowry, which needs to be done away with. Lavishness has always been an indispensable part of Indian wedding and groom’s parents demand a huge amount of money from bride’s family in the form of dowry. People behave as spendthrifts and try to show-off their wealth in every possible way, no matter even if they will have to borrow money from others.

Shades of Indian Marriage:

In spite of all the issues, Indian marriages are said to be the most attractive ones. The way all the arrangements are made, it seems that one is attending the marriage of a prince and princess. New colorful customs are given preference by each and every person attending the marriage occasion. For Indian women, jewelery is something that denotes their wealth, so they try putting on new jewels matching their new dresses. 

Different wedding Ceremonies:

Marriage is not just a single day ceremony in Indian pretext, sometimes it is even extended to one whole week, dividing days for different ceremonies.

Ø Roka:- 

It is very first step, which includes formal commitment of marriage and acceptance by both groom’s and bride’s family.

Ø Shagun:- 

Exchange of sweets and gifts by both the families involved.

Ø Haldi:- 

Cleansing ceremony during which turmeric paste is applied to both groom and bride on their whole body.

Ø Ring Ceremony:- 

It is also known as engagement, it involves exchange of rings between they would be wife and husband.

Ø Sangeet:-

 Women relatives play, sing, dance and fun elements to lighten the serious atmosphere of marriage.

Ø Mehendi:- 

Applying henna on the hands and feet of the bride along with the groom’s name on it, which signifies strengthening the bond of love. 

Ø Tilak:- 

This ritual involves greeting the groom with auspicious vermilion paste and rice by bride’s father.

Ø Reception:- 

The first public appearance of the couple together, after the marriage where they receive the blessing and gifts from the society and relatives. It is just an extension of the wedding day.

People from different religions have different ceremonies but they are almost the same, only having different names. Among the marriages performed all around the world, Indian weddings are most glossy and glamorous ones. Though people of different religions, caste and communities follow their own customs to celebrate this occasion but one thing that remains common in all of them is the display of love, concern, commitment and emotions. Every Indian wedding lasts as the most memorable moment in thoughts of all the people who attend that marriage ceremony.

Reference By:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Couple

http://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/

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