Many of the customs practised in Indian weddings are highly symbolic for the two people getting married. The customs are interesting to learn about, festive, and very important to the involved families. While some customs are more well-recognized, others are lesser-known yet just as appreciated. From the bright colours of Asian wedding dresses to the wedding rituals that bind families together, everything has the most important significance in the festivities that celebrate love and union. Most Indian weddings span days and involve a series of events depicting a family’s culture and togetherness.
The celebrations are replete with beautiful outfits, enchanting music, and touching rituals all combined most unforgettably. Exuberance, colour, and emotion make weddings in India so unique. Indian weddings make you enjoy the opulence of the traditions in the country and celebrations. In this article, we will describe 7 beautiful Indian wedding traditions that will help you with an inspiration for your wedding and ensure you are going to enjoy it.
Mehndi:
CJar, Mehndi, or the application of henna, is quite a colourful and artistic part that is associated with the Indian wedding. This custom usually occurs a day or two prior to the wedding ceremony proper.Brides are usually decorated with intricate designs on their hands and feet, signifying beauty, happiness, and good omen. If the colour of the henna is dark, that is supposed to be a sign of much love and blessings that a bride will get in her married life. The family members and friends come together to make this function musical with songs, dance, and laughter. It is, therefore, a memorable pre-wedding event.
Sangeet :
Sangeet is a fun-filled and jovial activity that helps merge two families through song and dance. Conventionally, both the bride’s and the groom’s families compete in singing and dancing skills, highlighting their culture and ingenuity. It is a time for bonding where high-profile choreography, hit numbers, and sometimes even skits are also performed. Even the ‘Sangeet’ nights have become elaborate with Kathak or other dance professionals adding a great fandoo to the marriage fiasco.
Haldi:
This is one of the most frequent marriage ceremonies when in the past the mix of turmeric, oil and small amount of seasonings was rubbed onto both bride and the groom. This yellow paste is believed to clean and bless them for the big day that awaits them. In many instances, this event is filled with laughter, where family and friends joke with one another, and playful teasing whilst applying the haldi. This ceremony not only makes skin of both bride and groom glowing but also impart the message about the happy life that the couple is going to spend together.
Kanyadaan:
Kanyadaan is sentimental and heart touching when the bride’s father presents her to the groom in the form of a gift. In this he blesses the groom and allows him to Go &Take care of his daughter or take her as ‘wife’. The bridegroom is handed her hand by her father along with prayers or blessings. This custom serves as a symbol of respect and love so that the bride may enter into her new life from her paternal house.
Phoolon Ki Chadar:
The wedding tradition of carrying the bride under a flowery canopy or ‘Phoolon Ki Chadar’ is a stunner. Beautiful flowers depict the beginning of the bride’s new life. As she approaches her groom, this flowery display could well translate to the love and blessings being showered upon her by her family and friends. It certainly creates a picture-postcard moment, further beautifying the wedding proceedings and adding an element of romance to them.
Bidaai:
Bidaai is one of those most emotional moments when an Indian marriage takes place. The bride leaves her parental home, and the family and friends unite together to bid farewell to the bride. Many tears, giggles, and heartfelt blessings are usually part of such a significant transition in the bride’s life. Hence, this Bidaai reminds one of what it means to relate the bride with her family through deep-rooted customs that give rise to love and commitment.
Reception:
A wedding reception is a very dramatic sequel to the wedding ceremony where the families and friends come together to bless the newlyweds. Most occasions are marked with high-level decorations, expensive foodstuffs, and entertainment. This provides an avenue for the two lovers to show appreciation to their guests and share their joy. The event often includes speeches, performances, and in some instances, the couple’s first dance; therefore, it would be a fitting conclusion to the wedding celebrations.
Conclusion
These traditions are so beautifully reflected as a source of inspiration for couples in the richness of Indian wedding culture while planning their special day. Each of these rituals has a deep meaning behind it and reminds one of the essence of love, family, and commitment that marriage stands for. This will make the wedding memorable and rewarding; it connects the couple with their heritage and to each other.
