Rituals that Complete Any Indian Wedding

There’s something magical surrounding the beautiful ceremony that is an Indian wedding. Not only is the joyous event celebrated by the couple’s closest friends and families, but the traditions that take place during the wedding and reception only help to create amazing memories for everyone involved.

Here are some of the traditions in action, filmed by Trisha and Birju’s guests in their affordable Indian wedding video:

Pre Wedding Rituals: Start at least a week before the actual wedding

Pithi: Bride and groom apply a homemade paste on their face, arms and feet which is believed to brighten up the skin for the big day.

Mehndi: Also known as ‘’Henna”, usually the night before the big day. A dancing and singing event where Mehndi (a paste in a cone shaped tube) is applied to hands to make beautiful designs.

Baraat: The arrival of groom and family on the wedding day.

Milni: Meeting of bride and groom’s families on the big day.

Father Gives Away the Bride: Also known as Kanyadaan, father of the bride gives his daughter’s hand in the groom’s.

Vivah Haven: The pandit (priest) lights a holy fire (Agni), around which bride and groom circle around seven times.

Bride Wears Mangala Sutra: Groom ties a black and golden holy necklace (Mangala Sutra) around bride’s neck.

Blessing from Elders: The couple seeks blessings from priest and both families’ elders by bowing in front of them.

Dance: After the rituals friends and family dance on loud Indian music, the couple also joins them to show the happiness.

This infographic is courtesy of Grand Sapphire, an Indian wedding venue in London, and it was first published on their blog here.