{"id":1687,"date":"2022-08-10T14:48:45","date_gmt":"2022-08-10T14:48:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/madamebridal.com\/blog\/?p=1687"},"modified":"2022-08-10T14:51:47","modified_gmt":"2022-08-10T14:51:47","slug":"indian-wedding-traditions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/madamebridal.com\/blog\/indian-wedding-traditions\/","title":{"rendered":"Indian Wedding Traditions"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s easy to fall in love with India. India is packed with culture, symbolism, and authenticity. Indians breathe their rituals and are incredibly proud of their traditions, ceremonies, festivals, and culture. Their honesty and confidence are perhaps what makes them stand out in the crowd.<\/p>\n

Like their culture, Indians take pride in how they conduct their weddings. Their weddings hold immense importance because marriage is not only considered sacred, but it holds utmost importance in reflecting the image and status of the involved families.<\/p>\n<\/div>

In Indian culture, marriage is not the union between two people but two distinct families. The famous term \u2018big fat Indian wedding\u2019 is not inaccurately used; it precisely fits the description as Indian weddings are often jam-packed and filled with events and people for days on end. Indians love to celebrate weddings because they consider marriage the start of a new beginning with the chance for both individuals to start a family of their own while stitching the bond between their families.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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To sum it up, Indian weddings are considered important because they celebrate union, togetherness, love, companionship, the growth of families, and the start of something truly new and wonderful.<\/p>\n

With breathtakingly beautiful (and colorful) clothes and multi-day events, Indian weddings are a series of events to attend. The wedding may stretch for days or weeks, but tiresome preparations almost always result in top-notch decorations and events with nothing left out. From garlands to garments, everything is taken care of with a fine tooth comb.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look at what Indian weddings consist of, from garments to songs!<\/p>\n<\/div>

Lavish Indian Culture<\/h2>\n<\/div>

Indian wedding culture is surrounded by luxurious clothing, exquisite jewelry, and dance numbers that bring life to the party.<\/p>\n

Garments can be associated with the influence of the Silk Road on Indian culture.<\/p>\n

The Silk Roads<\/a> were routes used by traders who traveled on horses and camels to enable trade between countries. These \u2018silk roads\u2019 were routes that bypassed Central Asian countries and Northern China. These routes extended toward Southeast Asia with expansions via China, Thailand, and Laos.<\/p>\n

Traders used these routes for the transportation of goods. Goods that were being transported eventually created an influence on the markets they crossed. Keep that in mind; jewelry had an influence on the silk road culture.<\/a> Silk, perfumes, stones, jewelry, and spices were all transported from multiple silk routes. Some of these routes included Central Asia, North India, and Myanmar.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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History<\/h2>\n<\/div>

Women in India have fought for their right to stay alive. India had come monumentally far from when it first started. The way women were treated after their husbands passed away to how they were blamed for giving birth to a girl was considerably normal occasions.<\/p>\n

Just like life is a journey from tragedy to triumph, women in India have voyaged from having no right to utter a word in front of their in-laws to making a mark for themselves in any given industry.<\/p>\n

According to the Global Gender Gap Index<\/a>, in 2021, India ranked 140 on the scale.<\/p>\n

Back in the day, the birth of a girl was concerning for Indian parents. A son was seen as an investment plan, one who would run the house and take care of ailing parents when they could no longer serve themselves. In India, parents commonly understand that the daughter will eventually get married and leave the house. Once an Indian daughter is married, she is considered as someone who has entered her real home \u2013 her husband\u2019s.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Before technology reached its peak, newborn girls were killed after they were born. After the advent of technology and sonographic technology, the sex of the child can be determined while the mother is carrying the child, CNA Insider<\/a> reports.<\/p>\n

Over time, after millions of Indians were lifted out of poverty, the equation shifted. The number of men and women changed, and according to history\u2019s indications, women play a solid role in weddings. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Indian Weddings Ceremonies<\/h2>\n<\/div>

Indian weddings can last anywhere from 3 days to a week. Weddings include extended events, and Indians leave no stone unturned. Indians love to celebrate happiness, and weddings are considered an important part of their culture \u2013 primarily because it includes the union of two families.<\/p>\n

This is precisely why Indians ensure that they\u2019re partaking in all important rituals and ensuring that both the bride and groom feel the love and happiness that surrounds them.<\/p>\n

Indian weddings require exquisite locations. People prefer destination weddings<\/a> within the country or outside. Luxxu.net<\/a> specializes in modern design and living, be it furniture or an entire house. You can look for inspirations or choose locations for your bachelor or bachelorette party. Do you want to host a reception but are not sure of a location? Check out Luxxu.<\/p>\n

Indian weddings are not just exquisite; they\u2019re wholesome. Different ethnicities follow rituals that make them feel at home, but there are some that every couple in India follows. Let\u2019s have a look:<\/p>\n<\/div>

1. Roka Ceremony<\/h3>\n<\/div>

The Roka ceremony is considered auspicious since this is the first step toward this new journey. It\u2019s an announcement among family members and a hint to the outside world. Both give consent to get married, and the involved families start their journey by gifting dry fruits and sweets to each other.<\/p>\n<\/div>

2. Engagement Ceremony<\/h3>\n<\/div>

This is no different from any normal engagement ceremony. Both families gather together for an event that makes it official to the world that two young individuals are set to join each other in holy matrimony. Dances and celebrations may follow the event throughout the night.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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3. Mehndi\/Sangeet Ceremony<\/h3>\n<\/div>

The Mehndi ceremony is an event from the bride\u2019s side, and the sangeet is one from the groom\u2019s. These two can be held together if both families find it a better choice. Keeping these events on two separate days means prolonging the wedding and having one extra day dedicated to the celebration.<\/p>\n<\/div>

4. Haldi (Tumeric) Ceremony<\/h3>\n<\/div>

The Haldi ceremony happens the morning of the wedding. It\u2019s considered an auspicious occasion because Haldi is considered a cleanser. Haldi is believed to purify the body. Thus, applying it to the bride and groom means cleansing them of all impurities before they begin their journey together.<\/p>\n

Haldi is also known as Ubtan by many. For this tradition, each family member puts Haldi paste on the bride and groom and completely covers them in the paste. After the ceremony is completed, the paste is washed off. While fulfilling a spiritual purpose, Haldi eradicates dead cells and clears the skin.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Rituals You Can\u2019t Ignore At An Indian Wedding<\/h2>\n<\/div>

1. Consulting a Pandit<\/h3>\n<\/div>

This part of the wedding preparations holds immense importance for both families. A pandit in Indian culture is a man who has a vast knowledge of Hinduism and is considered a scholar in Indian culture.<\/p>\n

Both families visit their respective pandits and share the bride and groom\u2019s zodiac signs. Their stars are matched with each other, and the pandit, based on their knowledge and experience with astrology, suggests a marriage date. This date is considered auspicious. A certain time is also suggested, which is known as \u2018mahurat.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

There are certain traditions in Indian culture that are considered sacred.<\/p>\n<\/div>

2. The Color Red!<\/h3>\n<\/div>

Now, this may be subjective, but the color red holds immense importance in Indian culture. Be it the wedding dress, the flowers, or decorations, red has to pop out.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>

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3. The Groom\u2019s Entry<\/h3>\n<\/div>

The groom\u2019s entry is perhaps the most happy-happening instance on the wedding day. The groom\u2019s entry, also known as baraat<\/em><\/a>, is a celebration on its own since the groom has now led his way up to the bride\u2019s house. The baraat holds importance in the eyes of both parties. It marks the groom\u2019s arrival to wed the woman he gets to call his wife.<\/em><\/p>\n

Different ethnicities in India have different celebratory ways for the groom\u2019s entry. We\u2019ll get into that in more detail ahead.<\/p>\n<\/div>

4. Vermala<\/h3>\n<\/div>

The vermala ceremony<\/a> begins after the bride enters the mandap. Both the bride and groom hold a Jai mala, essentially flower garlands, and wrap it around their partner\u2019s neck. This begins the celebration of the couple.<\/p>\n<\/div>

5. Pheray<\/h3>\n<\/div>

The bride and groom sit in front of the fire, also known as Agni <\/em>in Sanskrit. The pandit sits across the couple and starts reciting prayers. The fire is considered sacred because it symbolizes God being a witness.<\/p>\n

The pheray hold perhaps the most importance during the wedding. They\u2019re considered extremely sacred during the entire procession. Let\u2019s look into the why:<\/p>\n

Before the pheray, a knot is tied using the end of the bride\u2019s sari <\/em>or lehnga<\/em> and the groom\u2019s scarf. The two then take seven rounds around the mandap and exchange vows. The fire acts as a witness, and the pandit recites the marital vows. Each phera holds importance. Let\u2019s discuss what each phera signifies:<\/p>\n<\/div>

First Phera<\/h4>\n<\/div>

For the first phera, the husband promises to take care of his wife and future children\u2019s needs. He vows to ensure that his wife is sheltered and clothed well. The first phera focuses mainly on nourishment<\/p>\n<\/div>

Second Phera<\/h4>\n<\/div>

The second phera places importance on family life. The husband pledges to ensure that he will take responsibility for the house. The wife promises to ensure that she supports her husband and that the two will face any turbulence together.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Third Phera<\/h4>\n<\/div>

The third phera focuses on oneness. This is not to say that two bodies become one soul but that they will both look after each other and be there for one another. The bride and groom pledge to look after each other\u2019s needs and treat each other with respect and as their priority.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Fourth Phera<\/h4>\n<\/div>

The fourth phera is about being grateful. The bride and groom pledge to keep each other happy. The groom admits and thanks the wife for completing his life. In return, the wife promises always to try to keep the groom happy.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Fifth Phera<\/h4>\n<\/div>

The fifth phera moves on to focusing on staying together in tough times. The groom thanks his wife for blessing his life, and the bride promises to stand by the groom in trivial times. The two promise to stay by each other in times of need.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Sixth Phera<\/h4>\n<\/div>

In the sixth phera, the bride and groom take a round across the Agni and pray for their marriage\u2019s security. They vow to act as one unit and focus on their marital bond. The groom is grateful to the bride for taking this step with him, and he asks her if she will stay by his side for life. The idea here is to live life while enjoying the simple pleasures it bestows upon us.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Seventh Phera<\/h4>\n<\/div>

The last phera is all about the bride and groom accepting each other as partners for life. They pray for a life full of bliss, wisdom, honesty, and respecting the union the two have promised each other to abide by.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Though seven pheras fall under traditional values, some newlyweds may choose to do only four pheras. Essentially, the first four pheras fall under the four purushartas of life:<\/p>\n