In India, Marriage is viewed in a completely different way as opposed to western countries. More than the union of two individuals, a marriage is considered to be the start of a new relationship between two families. The variety in India is largely reflected through different kind of food, clothing and traditions observed by different communities. The same feature is reflected in Indian marriages. Marriage is a very esteem tradition of India. Hindu Marriage is grounded on various traditions, mainly called ‘sanskars’ and that which is performed at the time of wedding are called ‘vivah Sanskar’. This sanskar marks the start of the second and the most crucial stage of life called the ‘Grihista Ashrama’ which involves setting up of a new family. Two individuals who considered being compatible from a lifelong partnership at this ceremony.
Essence of Hindu Marriage:
According to the Hindu religion marriage is considered to be a holy affair. In Indian belief marriages are not just about a lifelong affair, it is a relationship that is supposed to last for the next seven lives. Hindu marriage is long drawn affairs where there are a lot of auspicious rituals are followed. It is not only that the groom and the bride present but also all the family members of both the bride and the groom, relatives etc have to be present in the wedding to give blessings to the new couple. Although there are a lot of variations in marriages depending upon religion, community and caste but there are some common rituals and ceremonies which are followed in all Hindu marriages.
Some Common ceremonies followed in Hindu Marriages:
· The Hindu marriages will be performed by a Hindu priest only.
· In a typical Hindu marriage the astrological charts are consulted in order to find an auspicious date, day and time for marriage. As per Hindu belief by doing this the couple will be blessed with a happy married life.
· The couple has to sit in front of the sacred fire which signifies the holiness of the relationship. The holy fire is also believed to be a witness to this holy relationship.
· Another thing which is common to all type of Hindu marriages includes the part where the groom smears the forehead of the bride with Sindoor. The red color is considered to be auspicious according to Hindu belief. The groom ties a mangalasutra around the bride’s neck. Mangalasutra and Sindoor both are considered to be the mark of a Hindu married woman.
· The couple takes seven rounds around the sacred fire.
The rituals and ceremonies mentioned above are just a glimpse of the Hindu marriage ceremony. There are much more rituals are followed in a typical Hindu marriage in order to be considered complete. According to Hindu cultures marriage is the bond should never be broken. The importance of this bond lies in the hands of the husband and wife. Both should respect each other, trust each other and sacrifice for each other.
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