The time has come!!! You have been waiting a lifetime for this. You are no longer the cute little girl at the weddings your parents dragged you to. It is now your time to shine and it is coming up faster then you anticipated. You run around like a nervous wreck trying to prepare all of the pertinent events and when you finally stop to take a breath you realize that the actual wedding ceremony needs to be dealt with. What exactly is to take place? What are your specific duties as the shining bride? What rituals must be observed? What items are needed to maintain traditions? Who is to attend which event? You realize suddenly that that little girl who sat bored at those weddings should have paid a lot more attention to what was happening.

For this, the South Asian Wedding Guide has a solution. Listed below are various South Asian religions and cultures with the corresponding wedding ceremonies, traditions and rituals that are typically celebrated.

Included are preparations that need to be made, a historical explanation of the significance of the tradition, who should participate, what takes place and what is needed to perform the ritual.

Traditions, rituals and events are listed according to the order they should take place. Accordingly, they have been divided into “Leading up to”, which includes, engagement and pre-wedding events, events that take place on the day of the wedding including the ceremony, and finally the wrap-up events.

Sikh | Muslim | Bengali | Gujarati | Telugu | Christian | Jain | Brahmin

Kurmai – This event is an informal ceremony that allows the girl’s side of the family to meet with the boy’s side of the family on a mutually agreed upon date. It is not a ‘required’ gathering but quite common in most families in order to “break the ice”.

Roka – A date for the roka is determined with the consent of both families. The date is chosen based on a shubh mahurat (auspicious time). Attending the roka ceremony ideally consists of the immediate family of the prospective bride and groom–to-be. All who are invited gather at the girl's house where gifts from both sides are exchanged. The ceremony takes the place of an engagement where the boy and girl commit to marry one another. This ceremony allows them to court each other as a couple. Soon after this ceremony a wedding date is set.

Chunni – For this ceremony, once again the boy’s family and relatives visit the girl’s house. The boy’s family provides an outfit that she will be dressed in. As part of the ceremony the boy’s sister presents the girl with a red chunni to be worn on her head. The girl is presented with gifts and jewelry from her future mother-in-law. The father of the bride-to-be marks his future son-in-law’s forehead with tilak. The boy’s mother may feed her future daughter-in-law boiled rice and milk as sagan. The boy and girl may exchange rings to complete the ceremony.

Maiyan – This custom is most common amongst Sikhs - the bride and groom must be fairly inactive. They should not leave their homes or change and shower for at least a few days before marriage. In a ritual called Vatna, a scented powder consisting of barley flour, turmeric and mustard oil is applied on the bride. The groom is conditioned with the same treatment.

Gawn – The red thread ceremony takes place during this period. It is tied on the right hand of the groom and on the left hand of the bride. Singing and dancing commences the start of the entertainment festivities.

Sangeet – This is a livelier event that both sides of the family participate in; wedding songs are sung and dancing takes place usually until late hours of the night. Gifts may once again be exchanged at this ceremony.

Mehndi – On the day of the wedding the bride will be decorated in jewellery and trinkets of all kinds. It is also tradition for the girl to have her hands and feet painted with henna. The henna is most commonly provided by the future mother-in-law and prepared and designed by a professional mehandiwali (henna artist). Singing and dancing occurs while she is being pampered. The henna should be left on overnight; the longer it is left the darker it will be. The belief is that the darker the mehndi turns out, the more the girl’s mother-in-law will love her. Food and drinks are served to all, as the festivities commence.
Choorhaa – This ceremony requires substantial participation of the girl’s mother’s side of the family. They traditionally provide the wedding dress and the choorha (a set of cream and ivory bangles). The girl’s maternal uncle (mama) plays an essential role, in some cases he and his wife may fast till the choorhaa ceremony. The bride–to-be will not have seen the choorha until her mama places them on her hands along with the kalivas (dangling golden metal plates). At the doli, where the girl bids farewell to her family, it is common that the bride hits one of the single girls with her kalivas, the belief being that she will be the next to be married

Sehrabandi – This ritual pertains to blessing the groom’s wedding attire, more specifically his sehra or turban is dressed with a silver mukut or crown. At the end of the ceremony, immediate family members that are present offer gifts or cash.

Asa di Var and Adi Granth - Asa Di Var is the morning and commencement hymn; after its completion the groom comes and sits at the foot of the Adi-Granth. The bride will join the groom and sits to his left. To initiate the ceremony the couple and their parents are motioned to stand for a short prayer. The bride and groom assent to the marriage by bowing towards the Guru Granth Sahib.

Anand Karaj (blissful union) – The actual ceremony is known by the hymn of four lines that is sung, the Lavan,. The bride’s father places the groom’s scarf in his daughter’s hands as a formal sign that he has handed his daughter rightfully to her husband. After the first line is recited the bride and groom rise and proceed to walk around the Sri Guru Granth Sahib in a clockwise direction. The groom leads and the bride follows clutching the scarf that is draped around her husband. At the end of each line they are both to bow before the Guru Granth and resume a cross-legged position until the recitation of the next line wherein they follow they same procedure until the entire stanza has been sung and recited. The stanza outlines the progression of the marital union of the two individuals along with their union with the Lord as follows:

1. The Lord sets out His Instructions for performing the daily duties of married life.
2. The Lord leads you to meet the True Guru, the Primal Being.
3. The mind is filled with Divine Love.
4. We have found Eternal love with the Lord.

Parshad and Langar - Karah Prashad – At the conclusion of the ceremony, parshad (a sweet mixture of flour, butter and sugar) is distributed to the congregation. Lunch is provided in the Langar or free kitchen that is a feature of all gurudawaras, and prepared by the girl’s family.

Milni -The Milni serves to introduce (in a very formal manner) the important males on both sides of the family. For the most part it has been performed by men only, but now it is also common to have a ladies milni; perhaps not at the same time but it is still an event that will take place at some point. Garlands and a form of sagan is exchanged and the two sides greet each other joyously.

Doli - In early days, brothers used to carry their sisters in a doli (palanquin) to her in-laws place. In contemporary times, this doli has been replaced by the car (or any other vehicle_but is still referred to as the doli. The new bride bids a final farewell to her family as she sets out to lead a new life with her husband and her new mother and father.

Phera dalna – The day after the wedding the bride's brother will collect his sister and brother-in-law. The families meet one last time to end the wedding and the bride's parents provide lunch. Gifts for the newly weds are shared at this point.

Mangni (Engagement Rules) – This ceremony is otherwise known as the engagement. The groom’s family provides an outfit for their future daughter-in-law to wear. In a formal manner, the prospective bride and groom exchange rings. This binds the two together and allows them to court openly up to the wedding. After this event a date will be chosen for the nikaah or the actual wedding.

Mehndi – On the day of the wedding, the bride will be decorated in jewellery and trinkets of all kinds. As well it is tradition for the girl to have her hands and feet painted with henna. The henna is most commonly provided by the future mother-in-law and prepared and designed by a professional mehandiwali (henna artist). Singing and dancing occurs while she is being pampered. The henna should be left on overnight as the longer it is left the darker it will stain the skin. The belief is that the darker the mehndi turns out, the more the girl’s mother-in-law will love her. Food and drinks are served to all, as the festivities commence.

Baraat - The baraat is otherwise known as a wedding procession. The baraat normally arrive in a fancy fashion. It is common for musicians to be playing at their arrival. The bride's sisters play pranks with the guests at the baraat’s arrival.

Mahr – The gift that the groom brings for his wife

Nikaahnama - The Nikaahnaama is the marriage contract, which contains guidelines for both parties to abide by. The groom, the bride, the Walis and the Maulvi, sign a legally binding marriage contract. The ceremony is brief and the minister who conducts the ceremony asks the bride and groom if they will be able to abide by the terms. Signing the nikaahnama completes the ceremony.

Dua - Prayers are read from the Qu’ran intended to bless the couple and conclude the event.

Rukshat – This represents the bride taking steps into the next phase of her life. Leaving her family to start a new one with her husband, she bids farewell to her family.
Dawat e Walima – The bride’s parents throw a reception for all who attended the ceremony in celebration of the wedding. The groom’s family also prepares a reception in celebration of their new daughter-in-law. A feast is prepared and friends and relatives approach the newlyweds to congratulate them.

Chauthi - The Chauthi means the fourth. Four days after the wedding the bride may return home to visit her parents and family where they rejoice at a dinner provided by her family.

Paaka Katha - In Paaka Katha means the final conversation. The parents of the bride and groom meet to discuss the marriage. They may be accompanied by a close relative to discuss the union of their children. It may be followed by a dinner/ lunch.

Adan Pradan - Adan Pradan means give and take; a purohit (priest) conducts this ceremony and is concerned with the ancestral lines. This is just to confirm that the marriage between the two does not conflict with two people with the same gotra (lineage).

Ashirwad – This event should be conducted a couple of days before the wedding. Similar to an engagement, it confirms that a union will take place between the two. A priest visits the bride or groom’s residence to perform the ceremony.

Vridi – The week of the wedding, the prospective bride and groom’s fathers hold prayers at their residence. They pray to their ancestors for good will and a healthy marriage for their children. A pundit may be present and a puja takes place at their respective houses.

Kubbi Patta - This is a brief ceremony that takes place at the houses of the bride and groom. The ceremony is in worship of Saint Kuber, praying for his blessings. In order to proceed with the ceremony, on the day of the wedding the family members place three metal glasses filled to the brim with dhaan, khoi and crushed rice.

Sankha Porana – This ritual is performed by the bride only, while at her home. She must bathe, dress in a new saree, and wear the sankha porana or conch bangles that have been dipped in turmeric water.

Mala Badal – Mala badal is the exchange of garlands and it takes place when the groom arrives. This event is supposed to be the first time the boy and girl set eyes on each other. When they do they meet and dress each other with their respective garlands.

Sampardaan - Saat Pheras – Vivah is the actual wedding ceremony and it takes place at a specified location. Unlike other Hindu marriages, the wedding is performed by a paternal uncle or someone with the same gotra (lineage). The Saat Pheras are similar to wedding vows that are chanted amidst the agni (sacred fire) to the chant of Sanskrit mantras.

Baraatis and Bassi Byah – The wedding procession, also known as the baraatis, return home, except the groom and one or two of his cousins or friends. As per tradition, the groom and bride prepare for a feast that they will eat together with new utensils. The groom refreshes his bride’s forehead with new and fresh sindoor.

Bidai – The bidai finalizes the ceremony. The elders bless the newlyweds and the groom takes his bride to their new home.

Bou Baran – This ritual is performed when the groom brings his bride home for the first time. At their arrival, water is poured beneath their vehicle. The bride must place her feet on a plate prepared with milk and lac dye. The grooms’ eldest brother’s wife will then lead her into the house where the elders greet and bless her.

Bou Bhat – On this day the bride eats her first meal at her new home. Her meals up to that point are prepared at a neighbour’s house. The groom’s father normally hosts this event in an eventful manner.

Dira Gaman – This event takes place when the couple returns to the bride’s home. At this time the family proceeds to cut the red thread that was tied to the girl’s wrist during the earlier events. The conch shells are also removed, and by doing this it marks the auspicious occasion.

Phool Sajja – This event marks the end of the wedding ceremonies. The bride dresses in a saree and the groom dresses in a kurta. They leave to a bedroom decorated tastefully with flowers, hence the name of the event “phool sajja”. The room may also be decorated with gifts, clothes and sweets from the bride’s family.

Mandap Mahurat – This ceremony is held before the wedding and is meant to eliminate any evil that may affect the couple.

Griha Shanti – This event is to ensure a perfect union. There is a strong belief in the matching of the stars. It is believed that a commotion in the stars could cause marital issues. A puja is held at the prospective boy and girl’s house after matching the horoscopes, to ensure peace amongst the stars.

Jaan – This event is concerned mainly with the groom-to-be and his mother-in-law. He visits his mother-in-law to seek her consent; he must bow and pinch his nose to show his humility and to prove that he understands the sacrifices his wife will be making for him and his family. A small ritual is performed to wish away any evil; the ritual is concluded by his future mother-in-law blessing him.

Kanya Daan – This ritual is common to many Hindu religions where it represents the time where the girl’s parents must give away their daughter. The ritual is performed in front of a fire. Also, the parents refrain from eating to ensure their purity in conducting this event in mind and body. They fold their hands in hope that the groom will take care of their daughter and wash his feet in the belief that he is a lord that they hand their daughter to.

Hasta Milap – The bride’s saree is tied to the groom’s scarf or shawl and the two hold hands to represent two souls joining in marriage. The priest chants to evoke blessings from the gods, and the family and relatives gather around to bless the couple.

Pheras – These are rounds that the couple must stand and walk around the fire for, in order to commence with the marriage ceremony. Each phera states a duty or obligation that the bride and groom agree to abide by as they walk around. The groom recites the mantras that are chanted that aim to request the support of his wife. Seven requests are made in total.

Vidaai – This completes the wedding events. It is a sad moment for the bride as she leaves her own family to form a new home.

Ghar nu Laxmi – This ritual marks the bride’s first steps in to her new home. Her mother-in-law greets her. She is considered the Ghar nu Laxmi, the goddess who brings good fortune and wealth to the home. A small ritual is performed where the bride must knock over a vessel filled with rice with her foot. It has been placed at the entrance. As the vessel falls, the bride shows that she understands her responsibilities to her new family.

Patrikas – At this event the families of the prospective couple meet and discuss with an astrologer the match according to the stars. Once the families are satisfied that the union will be suitable, the families make a promise to one another that a marriage will be held. A calculated date and time is chosen for the marriage and contracts are drawn up for the marriage. This ritual can be conducted even days before the wedding.

Nisachaithartum – This is the formal engagement process. The groom’s family is invited to the bride’s home accompanied by a large procession of their closest family and friends. They come bearing gifts consisting of fruit platters and sweets; the girls’ future mother-in-law brings a saree, which she must change in to. As part of the ritual her future mother-in-law applies “kumkum” to the bride’s forehead, and holding a puja, concludes the event.

Vara Puja - This puja is performed in honour of the groom. At this time he is showered with gifts provided by the bride’s parents that include money, clothes, and jewellery, in congratulating their son-in-law.
Paindlipilla - This event takes place on the morning of the wedding. It involves “the dressing of the bride”. A small ceremony is performed by five, nine or eleven married women “sumanglis” to drive away any evil spirits. In order to do this they each take a coin and circle the bride’s face, and then throw the coin in to a vessel. The ceremony is complete with performing the traditional “arti”.

Muhurtam – This event determines the time and date that the wedding should take place. The most auspicious time begins at 7pm and continues till the next day at 11am. The wedding will seldom occur during the months of Aashad and Bhadrapad and Shunya.

Pendlikoothuru – For this ceremony the bride and groom must first have oil and turmeric applied to them, then have a bath, and finally dress in new clothing. The bride may wear a bindi, flowers in her hair and bangles on her wrist.

Mangala Snaanam – This ritual concerns the bride and groom cleansing and purifying themselves for events that are to come. In order to fulfill this they are to bathe on the day of the wedding at an auspicious time.

Aarti - The Aarti follows the bathing ceremony where the bride and groom at their respective residences are treated in a specific manner including the application of oil. While they are at their own homes; the same rituals are performed on each of them. A family member takes an lit oil lamp and circles the bride (and groom) in a clockwise circular manner. This ritual is performed to signify that the mind of the bride/groom be illuminated by wisdom.

Gaura Pooja - This is where the bride pays her respects to goddess, Gauri most commonly understood as an expression of Shakti, the mother of the universe.
She is symbolic of motherhood, fertility and the victory of good over evil.

Ganesh Pooja - The groom performs a similar ritual called the Ganesh Pooja in the wedding hall prior to the ceremony. The groom worships the elephant headed god, as the remover of all obstacles.

Vivaham – The marriage ceremony is otherwise known as the Vivaham. Two pujas take place during this time at the bride’s home. Traditionally the wedding would take place under a canopy decorated with mango leaves and flowers. The oldest member of the bride’s family applies “kumkum” to the groom’s forehead and then escorts the groom to the location that the couple is to be married.

Kankana Shastra – This ceremony is particularly important, for the good will of the marriage. It is conducted through a puja that summons all the Hindu gods to come and attend the events until the marriage is complete. In order to perform this ritual a silver plate is prepared holding two handfuls of rice on top of which sits a coconut that has been dipped in turmeric along with turmeric sticks that are tied with double thread.

Kanyadaan - This ceremony is significant for the girl’s family as they “give away” their daughter to the groom. Traditionally this was performed by the mother’s brother where he carried her in a bamboo basket. Nowadays the uncle plays the role in a more contemporary manner. The couple is separated by a sheet and should not see each other until the marriage is complete. The priest requests the blessings of their ancestors seven generations back of both the families. The girl’s family washes the groom’s feet as they believe that he is a form of God to whom they now offer their daughter's hand.

Jeerakalla-Bellamum – The bride and groom apply a paste to each others hands made of cumin seeds and jaggery, which is known as Jeerakalla-Bellamum. This ceremony is conducted after the priest recites the wedding sholkas. The mix of these two substances is supposed to be inseparable, representing and indivisible union of the two.

Mangalsutra – The sheet is removed and the bride and groom can be visible to each other. The groom ties two strings with old plates on them and fastens with three knots. The knots represent connections physically, mentally and spiritually. The gold disc represents the mangalsutra. Also the couple is required to look up in to the stars to see the two that are always visible together, Vasishta and Arundhati. As these stars are always together it reminds the couple that they are inseparable.

Kanyadaan - Two 'pujaris' recite Vedic chants and a coconut is placed on the bride's palms during the kanyadaan. Her father holds her palms and gently places them on the groom's palms, literally 'giving her away'. The bride's mother pours water from a silver 'chembu' (container with a spout) on the father's palms who in turn directs the flow of the water onto the coconut being held by the bride and groom. This ritual is called 'kanyadaan', whereby the bride's parents relinquish parental authority over their daughter.

Saptapadi - 'Saptapadi' or seven steps are what the couple takes together. During this, the bride's saree and the groom's dhoti are tied together at one end in a knot. The groom prays for life-long blessings with each step. With the first step he prays for food that will nourish them, with the second step he prays for strength, with the third he prays for help in honouring their vows, with the fourth, for a comfortable life, with the fifth for the health of their cattle, with the sixth for a life that survives the seasons, and with the seventh step, for help in fulfilling religious duties. During this ceremony, saris, ornaments and other gifts are offered to the couple and to other family members.

Grahapravesham –The ceremony has ended and the bride proceeds to her new home with her husband where she will enter it for the first time.

Uniting the Mangal Sutra - This ceremony signifies the uniting of the two families when the two mangal sutra unite. An elder member of the family may unite the mangal sutra 16 days after the wedding. In order for the two discs not to clash a few beads are placed in between. The number 16 is a significant number for Hindus and it is believe that it takes 16 days for the girl to understand her new family.

Reception - The reception is not a traditional concept but has become a common feature in many homes and can be as simple or as elaborate as desired. It is often held at the 'Kalyana Mantap' (wedding hall) where the wedding might have been held or even in a five star hotel or club. Cocktails and music accompany dinner.

Engagement
The couple is engaged.

Preparation Classes
Traditionally, a Christian couple is required to prepare for their lifelong commitment to one another. After the couple is engaged, they will visit the clergyman not only to discuss wedding preparations but the responsibilities they must fulfill to each other when united. The role of the church is to help the couple determine if they are right for each other. The clergy man may read announcements for three Sundays prior to the day of the wedding, concerning the couple. If any one has any objections to why the union is
not perfect, it would be addressed at that point.

Stag Night/Hen Night
This event is common to many couples where they spend the last night or choose a time a couple of days before the wedding to take advantage of their "single" status. At this time they are to forget about any wedding stress and enjoy the eventful occasion that their friends have planned for them.

The night before
The bride and groom are not to see each other the night before the wedding as it is considered bad luck.

The Ceremony
For most Christians it is most appropriate to have the ceremony at a church as its important to make their solemn vows to one another in "the House of God". It is quite possible to marry in a register office also, or wherever they would like, provided they can get a minister to conduct the ceremony.

The Union
Generally all Christians have the belief that there are three solid elements that need to be present in order to marry. The first is the right reaction of sexual intercourse, the second is the procreation of children and the third is a mutual help and comfort that the couple must give to one another.

Arriving at the Church
When arriving at the church, the groom will be accompanied by his "best man", someone that the groom has chosen to support him through this special day. The bride arrives at the church with her family and is escorted into the church with her father by her side who is ready to give his daughter away by escorting her to the altar. Friends and family attend to watch the auspicious occasion. At the altar, the groom awaits her, and the bridal party enters to commence the ceremony. When she is ready, she may take those sacred steps up to the altar with her father.

The Vows
During the ceremony a hymn may be sung, and the priest then begins with the vows to one another. The vows include promises to each other concerning situations that are "better or worse, when richer or poorer and in sickness and health". The couple must both repeat after the minister. While reciting the lines the bride and groom hold hands in agreement to abide by what is being said.

The Rings
The rings serve as reinforcements of the promises made to one another. The rings represent unbroken love, faithfulness and eternity.

Rice, Confetti and Flowers
The symbolic meaning of the rice, confetti and flowers are that they represent good luck and fertility. The bride will hold a bouquet of flowers when approaching the altar and rice or confetti will be thrown at the completion of the ceremony.

Horseshoe
The horse shoe represents boots that are worn to cross the threshold to begin their new life.

Reception
A reception is held after the ceremony where, a band or DJ may be present and a dinner is provided concluding the evening with wedding cake.

Khol Barana
The couple consent to commit to one another. Their families are involved and this arrangement serves as a formal introduction and publicly declaring that the girl has been reserved for the groom. Neither the girl nor boy are present and the boys side of the family are invited to the girls house and arrive with coconuts and gifts in celebration.

Tikka
The girl’s family is invited to the groom’s house where they also bring gifts specifically for the groom. The gifts may include cash, clothing or anything they feel will represent a token of their appreciation.

Bathse
This involves personally inviting all the family members that the bride and groom’s family wishes to include in the auspicious event. Normally, the mothers of the prospective bride and groom will venture around town spreading the word with invitations and sweets.

Mayara
This ceremony is another gift bearing occasion where the girl’s uncles, brothers and close family members exchange gifts rejoicing the event. The boy’s family reciprocate in the same manner.

Bana Betai
This is a cleansing ritual where the boy and girl in their respective home are treated and pampered to purify themselves for the event that is soon to take place. An ointment of flour and oils is applied to their face, arms and legs and is meant to beautify them. Normally ladies conduct the event.

Nikasi
This event involves the arrival of the groom and his wedding procession to the wedding venue. It is a very colorful event and a joyous time where the grooms family sing and dance as they approach.

Padla
At this event the bride is gifted with her bridal attire brought to her by the groom’s sisters who are dressed beautifully in anticipation of the wedding ceremony. It may be a saree or lehnga, and it is quite possible that the grooms sisters will bring traditional Marwari jewellery (uncut diamonds).

Varmala
This event involves the exchange of garlands between the bride and the groom. The bride’s father receives the groom and escorts him to the mandap (canopy where the wedding will take place). The girl is carried in to the wedding hall by her maternal uncle. As her relatives circle him three times she throws flowers to him. Her uncle places his knee beside the groom and allows for the wedding to begin. The bride has prepared for this by dressing in appropriate wedding attire including a nose ring, a tikka and silver anklets. The bride must wear these pieces of jewellery as part of Marwari Jain weddings.

Phera
A Brahmin priest will conduct this ceremony with the presence of a puja. The couple are required to circle around the fire that has been lit for their wedding seven times and while doing so, there vows are recited, which they are also required to chant. Each circle represents one phera. Their hands are joined by a scarf as they take the step to unite as one. Kanyadaan is performed during this process, where the parents of the bride give away their daughter in a formal manner.

Bidai

This marks the last ceremony of the Jain wedding where the bride says goodbye to her family members, and leaves for a new life with her husband.

Chandli – When the two families agree to marry there children off the two consenting families form an alliance. This ceremony is conducted by holding a puja. The priest blesses the couple by applying “Chandlo” on their foreheads, garlands are exchanged and the couple is officially promised to one another.

Ganesh Matli – This is another puja that is held in commencement of the wedding rituals to come. The pujas are held by the paternal aunts of the prospective bride and groom. The puja is conducted to call upon Lord Ganesha for his blessings.

Garba – This is a traditional folk dance that is most commonly performed by women, although men quite often join in and dance to the beat of drums. The men participate more eagerly in dandies, a dance performed with sticks. The garba would begin at around 8 pm and follow through to late hours of the night.

Pithi – This ritual aims to prepare the bride and groom for marriage. A paste called pithi consisting of sandalwood powder, turmeric, herbs, aromatic oils and rose water is applied to the bride and groom’s face, hands and feet in a ceremony at their respective homes.

Mandva Mahurat – This ceremony has much meaning attached to it. It involves the preparing of the canopy beneath which the two will be married. The parents of the couple attempt to dig out the ground where the canopy will sit and during that time they seek the blessings of Mother Earth.

Mosalu - The mosalu is a tradition that takes place the day before the actual wedding ceremony. It is concerned with providing gifts for the bride particularly those she is to wear at the wedding, these gifts are provided by the girl’s maternal uncle.

Lagna – The wedding ceremony is called the Lagna and is broken into segments that combined make up the ceremony.

Varghodo – This event is concerned with the arrival of the groom, and his wedding procession. By his side sits his sister who stays close and keeps him posted on his cues as a groom and any pertinent information. She holds a “looni”, a steel bowl with nuts in it, and shakes it to alert him of his position. He is welcomed by his bride’s family where an arti has been lit in his honor.

Varmala – As the groom arrives, the bride is escorted to where he has entered and here they exchange garlands. The bride then returns to the room where she awaited him and the groom proceeds to where the ceremony will take place. As all family is seated after the groom takes his seat around the fire, the wedding rites begin.

Mangalastak – The mangalastak is a chanting prayer that consists of four to eight lines. It is unique to the Nagger Brahmin tradition; the chant seeks the blessings of Lord Ganesha.

Kanyadaan - This ceremony is very emotional for the bride’s parents as it signifies their giving away of their daughter. The bride’s maternal uncle leads her in to the mandap and the bride’s parents place her hands into the groom’s.

Hasta Milap – This signifies the union that the couple has agreed upon as the ceremony is concerned with the tying of the marital knot that represents their commitment to one another.

Pheras – The actual vows are recited through the chant of pheras. The bride and groom must repeat each phera after the pundit and circle the fire as the chants are spoken for a total of seven rounds. To complete the ceremony the groom ties a mangalsutra on his wife and the two leave the mandap to seek the respects of their elders.

Vidai – The bride leaves her home and typically sheds tears as she leaves with her groom and new family. It is common for her brother to present her with a shawl to wear for the journey. Before leaving, the bride leaves imprints of her hand on the outside wall of her house by applying “kumkum” to her hands. This completes the vidai and must be conducted at a specific time.

Reception – This is one of the more joyous ceremonies where a feast is prepared and the bride and groom sit amongst their closest friends and family and participate in the festivities.