Gujarati Wedding Tradition

Gujarati Wedding is one of the most interesting wedding ceremonies in India. Like other Indian Wedding Ceremonies, the Gujarati Wedding Ceremony is full of several traditional rituals and customs. These traditional customs hold a deep meaning and regard for the Gujarati families. Performed with a great pomp and show, the Gujarati Wedding Ceremonies are vibrant and amusing. Generally held at night, the typical wedding affairs take almost an entire night to wrap up. The Wedding ceremony is followed by Ashirwaad and Vidai. Here is the systematic list of the traditional rituals in a Gujarati Marriage.


Ponkvu 

The arrival of the groom and his family is called Ponkvu. It is actually the official beginning of the Gujarati wedding. The groom is welcomed by his mother-in-law by aarti. She also playfully tries to grab his nose at the entrance. This tradition is basically meant for an amusing welcome. However, the quoted reason behind this ceremony is to remind the groom that he has come rubbing his nose at the girl’s door asking for her hand from her parents.

Jaimala 

Jaimala is the formal introduction of bride and groom on a stage. It involves the exchange of garlands between the bride and the groom twice. First time, the groom is on a higher platform than the bride, while, the second time, they are at an equal level. 

Madhuparka
After the Jaimala, Madhuparka ceremony is performed. In the Madhuparka ceremony, groom's feet are washed to make feel special, cared and superior. Also, he is given honey and milk to drink as a token of love. While this ceremony is going on, the bride's sisters try to steal the groom's shoes, known as 'Juta Churai'.

Kanya Agamana

Kanya Agamana is the beginning of the marriage on the serious note with the traditional customs and rituals solemnized by a Pundit. The bride is brought to the mandap by her maternal uncle. At the Mandap, there is an antarpaat (curtain) which separates her from her groom. As the Pundit begins chanting the mantras, the antarpaat is lowered and the couple exchanges garlands in front of the sacred fire.

Kanya Daan 

One of the most important wedding rituals, Kanya daan is followed right after Knaya Agamana. It is a ceremony, in which the bride's father washes the groom's feet and gives his daughter's hand to him in the hope that he will take good care of her. The bride is considered to be a form of Goddess Laxmi and the bridegroom is considered to be Lord Narayana. Kanya daan is performed in front of the sacred fire, facilitating the pious union of the boy and girl. 

Hasta Milap

 Hasta Milap ceremony performed after Kanya Daan has a lot of significance. It involves the tying of the groom's scarf or shawl to the bride's sari. The tying of knot and the joined hands of the couple are symbolic of the meeting of two hearts and souls. The acharya or the priest chants mantras and seeks the blessings of Goddess Laxmi and Parvatiji for the couple. The family and relatives witness the conduct of the ceremony and come forward to bless the bride and groom. They sprinkle rose petals and rice grains on them. 

Mangalpheras 

After Hasta Milap, Mangal Pheras are performed. Mangal Pheras are rounds that the couple takes around the sacred fire, as the priest chants mantras. It also involves the reciting of mantras by the groom that expresses his genuine and heartiest desire to seek his wife's loving support. In Gujarati marriage, there are four mangal pheras, which represent "Dharma", "Artha", "Kama" and "Moksha". 

Saptapadi

 Saptapadi is an important step of any Hindu marriage. In a typical Gujarati Marriage, the groom helps the bride in touching the seven betel nuts with her right toe, while both of them recite the seven vows for their commitment towards each other. At each step of the Saptapadi, the groom asks for support from his bride throughout his life. 

Saubhagyavati Bhava

This is a way to bless the newly wedded couple. In this tradition, seven married women from the bride’s family whisper good wishes and blessings in the right ear of the bride. They bless her to remain a Saubhagyavati i.e. lucky throughout her life.

Chero Pakaryo

 The Chero Pakaryo is an exclusive Gujarati custom. It is a kind of amusement after the serious traditional ritual. In this custom, the groom is made to tug the sari of his mother in law as she passes from the Mandap in way that it looks he is asking the bride’s family for gifts. 

Shubh Ashirwaad

After all the wedding rituals are over, the couple seeks the blessing of every senior member of the family present at the marriage. They are then blessed with gifts and other auspicious items.

Maharashtrian Wedding Traditions

Maharashtrian weddings are a simple affair and the emphasis is more on Sanskar. Of course there are lighter moments too, like the bride's brother twisting the groom's ear; the couple feeding each other sweets; and taking each other's names in verses etc. With changing times, an element of contemporary style has been infused into the traditional attire, jewellery, food preparations etc. And some rituals are given a go-by mainly due to lack of time and space.

The couple are initiated into Grihasthashram- a vow taken by both to unite and be together all their life while pursuing dharma, artha, kama, moksha. The bride asks the groom to promise her that he will never violate her limits - maryada - the groom asks her to always remain steadfast. They lovingly agree to devotion and have progeny.

 

ENGAGEMENT RITUALS

Engagement
Normally, the engagement ceremony is conducted at the bride's place.

Engagement or Sakharpuda literally means 'a packet of sugar' which is given to each other. It could be a simple affair wherein the bridegroom and his close relatives come to the bride's home. But it could also be organised by bride's side on a larger scale inviting more guests.

The bride flanked by her parents and karvali i.e. bride's sister sit in a row on pat - wooden board. The bridegroom's mother applies haldi-kunku and gives a sari to the bride into which bride is supposed to change. Thereafter the bridegroom's mother does Oti Bharane and gives Sakharpuda - a cone shaped decorative parcel filled with pedhe. Giving gifts to the bride's parents and karvali is optional. This means first, bridegroom's side has to give their word to bride's side that they have fixed the alliance. Similarly, to give their consent in return, the bride's mother invites the bridegroom, his parents and karvali to sit on the pat. She applies kumkum tilak to the groom and his father and haldi-kunku to groom's mother and karvali and gives a pant and shirt piece or any clothing item as also Sakharpuda to the groom. Again gifts to all others are optional. After this ceremony, the bridegroom puts a ring on the bride's ring-finger - anamika -of the left hand. The similar process is repeated by the bride.

The guests are given pedhe, some refreshments or a full meal. The engaged couple meets the guests and pays respect to elders by touching their feet. This ceremony signifies the agreement of the alliance witnessed by many people.

Muhurt Karane 

On an auspicious day, months before the wedding day, both the sides start wedding preparation. Traditionally, it is called muhurt karane when at least five suvasini - married women are invited. With iron pestle tied with mango leaves, one by one suvasinsi pound halkund (dried kaccha haldi) in iron mortar into fine haldi powder, which is used during halad chadavane. Thereafter they roll out papads and make sandage (soaked dals grinded with spices are made into tiny balls and dried in the Sun). These days, this tradition is given a go-by.

After muhurt, both the sides, especially, bride's side goes on a shopping spree. The bride's side prepares for rukhvat - an exhibition of gift articles, decorative pieces, handicrafts, eatables such as five types - each of dry fruits, fruits, ladoos, moramba, sweets etc. Actually this is to convey bride's various skills but it goes without saying that anyone can contribute to this exhibition.

On an auspicious day, the first invitation is given to Lord Ganesh by visiting his temple and then to other Gods. Thereafter, invitations are given personally by parents or uncle-aunts, or any relative as per the seniority of the invitees. Typically, the ladies carry a silver kunku karanda and silver bowl with akshata -coloured rice. The inviting lady applies kunku to the lady of the house while the inviting gentleman gives invitation cards topped with akshata to the man of the house and both formally utter the invitation. The inviting couple is given some sweets or sugar to accept the invitation and the sweet news. Because of distances and want of time, the invitations could also sent out by the post or courier.

Gadagner/ Kelvan 

The bride's close relatives and friends call over the bride and her family for a meal and give her a gift and do oti bharane. The bridegroom's side do the same to the groom. Two-three days prior to the wedding day, for gharacha gadgner, close relatives are invited for a meal at the bride's place where gharacha aher i.e. parents' and close relatives' wedding gifts are given to the bride and similar ceremony takes place at groom's side among his folks. The parents formally give expensive clothes, jewellery, silverware etc to the bride.

Halad Chadavane

On the day before the wedding day, haldi powder pounded on the muhurt is made into a paste in a plate. One by one, the five suvasini dip mango leaves - one in each hand - in plate of haldi paste and apply it first on feet, then on knees, then on shoulders and then on forehead of the bride. Each suvasini does this three times. Thereafter, the bride is given a nice massage of haldi paste depending on her consent. Since these days the brides wear make-up they do not like too much yellowness on the skin. Same ceremony takes place at the groom's side. Often, ushti halad i.e. haldi paste left over after applying it to the groom, is taken to the bride's place and is applied to the bride. The significance of haldi ceremony is that the aspiring couple is not supposed to go out and expose themselves. This may take place on the wedding day before the ritual bath.

Simant Pujan 

Simant literally means boundary. The groom and the marriage party (barati) are welcomed at the boundary of the bride's village and her mother does puja of the groom. These days, it is done on the wedding day itself at the venue of marriage. Bride's mother washes the groom's feet by pouring a little water over his feet in a plate, does kumkum tilak, puts akshata on groom's head, does arati and gives some sweet or madhupak (mixture of honey and curd). Groom's folks are also given sweets or madhupak. The groom is made to sit in the venue and bride's father gives gifts like suit, jewellery etc to the groom. Groom's mother and ladies go to bride's quarter and give her five saris, jewellery etc.

Sankalp

The day before the wedding day, parents of the bride and the groom in their respective places announce the marriage that is witnessed by the priest. This ceremony may take place on the wedding day itself.

WEDDING RITUALS

The guest are received and welcomed with namaskar at the doorstep by some elders from both the families. A team of young maidens gives haldi-kunku, gulab-gajra (rose or thick string of tiny white flowers like mogra or jui), applies perfume from attardani on the back of the right hand, showers perfumed water from gulabdani and gives pedha. Rukhvat an exhibition of decorative pieces, gifts etc is arranged in a corner.

Ganapatipujan 

The auspicious wedding ceremony begins with Ganpatipujan and a prayer is performed for Lord Ganesh's blessing to take the wedding through without any problems or obstruction (nirvighna). This prayer is performed at both the groom's as well as bride's quarters.

Punyahvachan
For purification of minds and place, priests asks groom/bride and his/her father to pray and ask for the blessings of everybody at their respective quarters.

Devdevak
It is also called kuldevata sthapana wherein the family deity is invoked to bless the bridal couple and the ceremony takes place at groom's as well as bride's quarters.

Gaurihar Puja 

The bride attired in a yellow sari given by her maternal uncle and mundavalya (decorative strings of pearls, beads, flowers) tied on the forehead apart from other jewellery and facial make-up is all ready to get married. She sits on a pat in her room and in front of her, a silver idol of Parvati is placed on a heap of rice on another pat. She keeps on taking some rice with both her hands and puts atop the idol while praying the Goddess Annapurna. At this moment, the bride is not supposed to talk and instead needs to concentrate on her prayers.

Lagna Muhurt

Everybody present in the mandap is given akshata and everyone stands close to the mandap. The groom, dressed in dhoti-kurta or salwar-kurta, head covered with topi and mundavalya tied on the forehead, is invited to the mandap where he stands on a pat facing west and holding a thick garland. The priests hold a cloth screen called antarpat in front of the groom chanting mangalashtaka. The bride's maternal uncle escorts the bride to the mandap and she is asked to stand on the other side of the antarpat also holding similar garland. Respective karvali stands behind the bride/groom with a copper kalash containing holy water and topped with betel leaves and coconut. Another young girl stands with arati. Mostly the bridegroom's mother stands behind the bride with eksari - black beads string with big gold bead in the centre .

Enthusiastic relatives, friends and guests also get chance to sing their own compositions of mangalashtaka which are typical Sanskrit or Marathi verses invoking Gods, describing the ceremony, praising the bridal couple's family members, giving advise to the bridal couple and finally giving blessing as also best wishes for the life together ahead. The Groom's mother puts across eksari around bride's neck and is supposed to tie a knot at the end of each stanza of mangalashtaka. Each stanza ends with "Kuryat Sada Mangalam, Shubh Mangal Savdhan" and everyone showering akshata on the bridal couple.

At the stroke of the muhurt, the priest chants last verses of the mangalashtaka loudly removing the antarpat and among the traditional music of vajantri (consists of shehnai and choughada) and/or modern band, the excitement builds up for the zero hour. The groom first puts a garland around the bride's neck. The bride also does the same. The respective karvalis apply holy water from the kalash to the eyes of bride and groom and perform arati.

Ladies are given haldi-kunku and all are given sweets mostly pedha.

Kanyadan 

Bride's father gives the bride away to the groom. The priest asks the groom to join both the palms and receive in it stream of holy water poured by bride's mother while bride's father says that he is giving away in marriage his daughter to this gentleman so that both of them can start together a life of Dharma, Artha and Kama. The groom accepts it saying that this is giving away love for love. The one who gives love is also one who receives love. The groom tells the bride that she is the shower of love, which has been given by the Sky and received by the Earth. He asks the elders to bless them.

Then the bride asks for a promise from the groom that he will never violate her limits in Dharma, Artha and Kama. The bride promises the groom that she will always belong to him like Sita-Savitri and always be by his side.

The bride's parents perform Lakshmi Narayan Puja of the bridal couple considering them to be avatar of Lakshmi Narayan.

The couple ties on each other's hand a halkund with a thread and this is called kankan bandhane.


Akshataropan 




The bridal couple is asked to hold akshata in left hand and shower them with the right while expressing their desire for gunsamriddhi, dhan, dharma, santan (children), kirti etc. The priest and elders pray that all their desires be fulfilled.

Mangalsutrabandhan 

Chanting mantras, the groom puts mangalsutra around bride's neck.

Vivah Hom 

A stone is kept to the west of the homkund (fire) and a pot of water is kept to its northeast. To the north, four darbhas are spread on which there are two vessels. A pot of Ghee is kept nearby. The priest tells the bridal couple that having taken the oath of marriage now, the same is to be taken in the witness of the fire (agnisakshi). Then the priest asks the groom to give ahuti of ghee in the name of Skanda, Prajapati, Agni and Som. The groom prays to Agni asking to make them pure and keep their enemy away; asking for children and their long lives; asking to protect his bride and make her give good progeny whom she would see by living a long life.

Lajja Hom
The priest asks the bride to join palms in which the groom puts a spoonful of ghee, a fistful of lahya (puffed rice) and again a spoonful of ghee. The groom holds with both his hands the bride's joined palms and puts this ahuti in the fire chanting mantras, which means that this girl has worshipped the fire, which will never make her break loving ties with her in-laws.

The groom holds the bride's right hand and goes around the fire and the pot of water chanting mantras that mean, "I am Purush, you are Prakriti. I am the Sky, you are the Earth. I am a Song, you are a Chhand (tune). With these conceptual ideas and love in mind, let us unite forever to procreate. Let us live hundred years and always have mutual understanding. The bride is asked to stand on the stone kept to the west of the fire. The groom asks her to remain steadfast like the stone.

Saptapadi 

Having worshiped the fire, the priest asks the couple to take seven steps with the same thoughts and determination. The groom, with his right hand, holds the bride's left hand and starts taking step towards the north-east direction. First, the right foot is taken forward and then the left foot is joined with it while chanting mantras. Like this, seven steps are taken. At every two feet, small heaps of rice are kept on which they are supposed to tread. The couple asks for seven needs of life - one each at each step. These are food, strength, wealth, happiness, progeny, pleasure of enjoying various seasons and immortal friendship. The priest says that this sanskar has extremely strengthened the bond of friendship between you (the couple) and may your lives be united like two bodies with a single soul!

The couple is asked to stand facing each other and touch their foreheads - literally meaning putting their heads together for decision-making henceforth.
A touch of humour is added to the ceremony with the bride's brother twisting the groom's right ear to remind him of his responsibility towards his sister.

Bride's mother does oti bharane and gives a sari to the bride, which she wears. The groom may also change into another comfortable pair of salwar-kurta. The couple touches the feet of elders and get blessed.

POST-WEDDING RITUALS

Manpan
The bride's mother does oti bharane and gives saris to the groom's mother, sisters/sister-in-laws. Bride's father gives gifts like pant-shirt piece to the groom's father and brothers/brother-in-laws. Similarly, groom's parents give gifts to the bride's family. In tond dhune, the bride's mother gives a sari and a jewellery piece like motyache tode or a gold ring or a pearl string to the groom's mother along with a tea-set etc. In vyahi bhet, bride's father gives a silver glass to the groom's father. The tond dhune and vyahi bhet are generally performed next day morning and are optional.

Lunch 

If the Lagnamuhurt is in the morning, there is a lunch party and a reception may be held in the evening. If the Lagnamuhurt falls in the evening, then the dinner party combines with the reception.

The groom's side is first invited for lunch after which other invitees follow. Bride's parents personally look after each and every guest. Also the bridal couple meets each guest during lunch and often serves sweets like bundicha ladoo or jilebi. The guest may insist that the bridal couple take each other's name in verses - nav ghene. When bridal couple, groom's parents and karvalis sit for lunch, bride's mother and other suvasinis perform arati of the couple and groom's parents and karvalis. Amidst a lot of fun and laughter, the bride feeds the groom a morsel of sweet and takes his name in verses and vice-versa. After meal there is lavangtod - another humorous ritual wherein the bride holds a clove between her teeth and the groom cuts it with his teeth.

Reception
The bride wears shalu - jari brocaded silk sari given by the groom's side and jewellery while the groom wears suit given by the bride's side. Guests greet, bless or give good wishes to the couple along with the wedding gifts. A feast is organised for the guests. Close relatives and friends are given return gifts. The bridal couple with their families sit together for the meal and share joy and happiness of the occasion.

Varat 

The ultimate emotional scene of the entire ceremony is when the bride is bid a goodbye. The groom picks up the silver idol of parvati that is still sitting on gaurihar. The couple touch the feet of elders and the bride meets with all family members who give her a tearful hug. The couple sits in a vehicle and the procession, with a band and fireworks, goes to the groom's place.

Grihpravesh
The couple comes to the doorstep and the groom's mother does arati of the couple. The bride topples map - a measuring vessel - filled with rice. It signifies that this bride - a Lakshmi - will bring so much luck that prosperity will flow in the house like the rice flowing out of the toppled vessel. A white sheet is spread in front of the couple and the bride dips her feet in a thali filled with a watery kumkum paste and places it on the sheet. These are considered Lakshmi's steps.

The couple sits and the groom places the silver idol of Parvati that he carried and places it in a plate of rice and writes the bride's new name. The groom's mother does oti bharane of the bride. The groom's mother sits between the couple and sees the bride's face in the mirror - this is called soonmukh baghane. The couple gives sugar to all present and they have to take names in verses several times.

Suhagrat
The couple retires to a decorated room with a bed bedecked in flower, to consummate the marriage. The bride takes glass of warm milk for the groom and awaits him. The young relatives tease the groom to heighten the excitement and send him into the room.

Halad Utaravane
Next day morning, five suvasinis do the same as halad chadhavane but in reverse order. This is to signify that now the couple is free to go out. The groom mother unties kankan - halkund tied on the couple's hand.

Tikhati Mejwani
Among non-vegetarian Maharashtrians, especially CKP community, a non-veg feast is organised at both the quarters separately for the close relatives within a day or two. Typically, the main dish is mutton-vade or mutton biryani and the liquor may be served before the food. In olden days, even women used to sip liquor from small silver bowls and was funnily called nathi vagdya karane i.e. to take aside nose rings to facilitate the sips.

The Hindu Marriage – Vivaha Sanskara

Booking the hall, deciding on caterers, choosing the mandap and decorations, sending out the invitations, finding photographers, choosing the Priest – music, bridal outfits, nails, makeup, jewellery, matching colour schemes, groom’s outfit — Aaaaaaaah!! As the stress levels escalate and we strive to organise the wedding of the year, how much time do we get to step back and think about the rituals we are about to perform and appreciate the true meaning of the Hindu marriage ceremony?

According to Hindu Dharma, marriage is a sacrament. Its purpose is to create and develop a religious and spiritual outlook in life. Marriage influences the personality of man and woman as life partners, enabling them to take their rightful place in society.

Hindu marriage is solemnised in accordance with an approved ritual instructed by the VEDAS, the holy scriptures of the Hindus. According to Hindu Dharma the ceremony of marriage is a firm uniting of two souls such that after marriage the individual bodies remain as separate entities but the souls merge into one harmonious whole. The idea behind the institution of marriage in Hindu Dharma is to foster not self-interest, but love for the entire family (and society). It is the love and duty cultivated for the entire family that prevents break-ups. During the nuptial ceremony in a Vedic marriage, both the bride and the bridegroom take an oath for the practice of self-restraint, to work together for the welfare of the family & Dharma and to help each other attain spiritual peace. This lofty ideal of sanctity is a great gift of Hindu Dharma to the world at large.

The majority of a Hindu marriage ceremony takes place inside a four-pole canopy termed the mandap and takes place in different stages.

Stages of the Hindu Marriage Ceremony

Vara Satkaarah: As soon as the bridegroom’s party arrives, they are warmly welcomed by the bride’s family. At the entrance of the hall the bride’s mother receives the groom by applying a tilak (red kumkum powder and uncooked rice) to signify good luck on the groom’s forehead and blesses him. The bridegroom is welcomed and treated like Mahavishnu (Supreme God) as will the bride be treated as Laxmi (Supreme Goddess). The priest and the bride’s parent lead the bridegroom and his parents to the stage where they are given appropriate seats.

The bride then enters at the mandap escorted by her maternal uncles after which she is seated to the right hand side of the bridegroom.

Achamana and Angasparsha: All Hindu religious ceremonies begin with two observances, namely Achaman or sipping a small amount of water and Angasparsha or touching one’s limbs with one’s right hand middle two fingers with a little water. Achaman is purificatory and conducive to peaceful attitude of mind. Angasparsha is intended to pray for physical strength and alertness.

Madhuparka ceremony: Madhuparka is a nutritious drink composed of honey, curd and ghee or clarified butter. The Madhuparka ceremony dates back thousands of years when Rishis and sages used it as a means of welcoming guests. In the wedding ceremony, madhuparka is offered to the bridegroom by the bride’s parents. This act is symbolic of the sweetness and joy that the bridegroom hopes will be a part of his and his new bride’s life together.

Kanya Daan: This is probably the most important and most symbolic part of a wedding ceremony. ‘Kanya’ means daughter and ‘Daan’ means giving away, hence in this part of the wedding ceremony the bride’s parents give her away by entrusting her to the bridegroom. The officiating priest chants appropriate verses in Sanskrit, to notify that the parents have not willingly expressed their wish and consent, by requesting the groom to accept their daughter as his bride.

Vivah-homa: All solemn rites and ceremonies commence with the performance of Homa (sacred fire ceremony or Havan yajna) among the followers of Vedic religion. The idea is to begin all auspicious undertakings in an atmosphere of purity and spirituality. This atmosphere is created by the burning of fragrant herbs and ghee and by the recitation of suitable Mantras. The Achaman and Angasparsha are performed for the second time, with the bride also participating.

Pani-Grahanam: This is the acceptance of the bride by the bridegroom as his wife. The bridegroom raises the bride’s hand with his left hand, clasps it and promises to protect her and their progeny, follow in the path of virtue with her and overcome all obstacles so that they may live a life of happiness and attain their spiritual goals together.

Pratigna-karanam: At this stage the couple walk around the fire and take solemn vows of loyalty, steadfast love and life-long fidelity to each other.

Shilarohanam: ‘Shila’ means stone. ‘Arohan’ means ascending or stepping upon. The mother of the bride assists her to step onto a stone and counsels her to prepare herself for a new life. A married couple are likely to encounter ups and downs, joys and sorrows, sickness and health. In spite of difficulties facing them they are enjoined to remain steadfast and true to each other.

Laja Homa: During this stage of the ceremony, oblations are offered to the sacred fire. The brother of the bride puts fried rice into her hands, half of which slips into the bridegroom’s hands under hers, which then slips into the fire. This is done three times over whilst the bride prays to Yama, the God of death, for the long life, happiness and prosperity of her new husband.

Agni-Parikrama/Mangal Fera/Pradakshina: This stage is one of the most auspicious parts of the ceremony and consists of the couple walking around the fire clockwise four times. It is believed that the moon protects the bride for the first seven years of her life followed by the sun in the next seven years of her life after which agni (fire) acts as her custodian. Hence appropriate respect is given to agni by carrying out this custom of walking around the fire. This custom coupled with that of saptapadi establishes an indissoluble matrimonial bond between the couple. In the first three rounds the groom leads the bride around the fire during which God’s blessings and help are sought; loyalty to each other is emphasised and a promise for the well-being and care of their future children is made. In the final round the bride leads the groom around the sacred fire and she promises that she will lead her life according to Dharma and Satya (devotion and truth). At the end of the four rounds they exchange seats, the bride taking her seat to the left of the bridegroom.

Saptapadi: The ends of the bridegroom’s scarf and upper garment of the bride are tied together by the priest, signifying the marriage knot. Then both stand facing the north ready to take seven steps. The bridegroom places his right hand on the right shoulder of the bride and they take the first step in the northeasterly direction.

Uncooked grains of rice are placed in a line at equal distance at seven places. The bride and the groom take seven steps together as the priest recites mantras – each step signifies a different aspect of marriage that they hope to uphold together with the final goal of being true companions and remaining life-long partners through wedlock.

The wife takes her rightful place on the left side of her husband as the marriage is now religiously solemnized in its entirety. Now the couple are husband and wife. The husband garlands the wife and she in turn garlands her husband.

Saubhagya-chinha: The bridegroom blesses his bride by putting sindhur (vermillion powder) at the parting of her hair on her forehead and by giving her a mangalsutra (sacred necklace).

Abhishekh, Surya Darshan & Dhruva Dhyaanam Darshanam va: The priest sprinkles water on the bride and groom after which they both meditate on the sun to give them power to lead a creative, useful and meaningful life. Finally they both meditate on the pole star and the Arundhati star (Dhruva Dhyaanam Darshanam va). The Pole Star is stationary and fixed in its position; likewise the couple is expected to be steadfast and firm in fulfilling their vows and responsibilities . Arundhati was the devoted wife of the sage Vashishtha, therefore by meditating on the Arundhati star they both consolidate their devotion for each other.

Anna Prashanam: In the last symbolic rite the couple make offerings of food into the sacred fire with chantings of Vedic Havan Mantras. Having done this, the couple feed a morsel of food to each other – symbolic of mutual love and affection.

Aashirvaadah: This is the final stage where there is benediction by the elders. Firstly the priest blesses the newly wed couple, after which other elders do the same.

What Type of Wedding Ceremony Is Right For You?

In this new age of wedding ceremonies, anything goes!

Unless a couple chooses to be married in a religious ceremony that will follow a time-honored religious protocol, they can be as creative as they like. The range of options is vast.

Finding your personal style is a matter of deciding the type of ceremony most suited to you and getting a sense of which rituals, blessings, prayers, readings, and cultural or religious aspects are personally meaningful.

As a reference point, there are several types of weddings to choose from that we are best at.

HINDU WEDDING

MUSLIM WEDDING

SIKH WEDDING

CHRISTIAN WEDDING

BUDDHIST WEDDING

PARSI WEDDING

JAIN WEDDING

FAQs

       Do I need a Wedding Planner?

More than ever in these current economic times having someone who knows how to get the maximum return on your investment is invaluable  Having the help of an experienced professional that is not emotionally involved in planning your wedding can result in a wedding day that meets the expectations of your dreams without breaking your budget.

Can I afford a Wedding Planner? Are wedding planners an added expense?

Wedding Planners help you get the best possible services with your specific budget, regardless of it’s size. This translates into savings.  A planner’s knowledge can also help in negotiating the details of services received for each rupee spent, getting the highest quality you can afford.  The planner’s fee can be largely recouped in the savings realized by their knowledge.

The bottom line is you have nothing to lose but EVERYTHING to gain by having a wedding planner help with some aspect of your wedding plans.  Accolade has of a number of different services that can help you figure out what is important to YOU and how that gets incorporated into your wedding.

Hiring a wedding consultant can save you money, save you time, and allow for you to relax and enjoy your day knowing that all your expectations are being fulfilled by a professional who has your best interest at heart

How does a wedding planner work?

It is a common misconception that a wedding planner will “take over” your wedding and you will turn up on the day wondering what happened to all of your ideas and dreams. At Tristar we do as much or as little as you require, and we never make any decisions for you. We consult with you from the outset to gain a thorough understanding of what you want for your wedding, and work closely with you throughout the planning process to ensure you remain in overall control.

We’ve already started planning our wedding – can we still use a planner?

 Absolutely! We can be involved at any stage of your planning, whether you’ve just started out and have only booked your venue, or you’ve planned the entire event, whether it’s locally in Mumbai or a destination wedding and just want someone there on the day to manage the arrangements and ensure everything runs smoothly 

Do we have to use your recommended suppliers?

 No! This is your wedding and you have the final say when it comes to choosing your venue and suppliers. We recommend suppliers that we believe meet your requirements and offer exceptional service, but you are entitled to use any service provider you wish. We guarantee to work with all your suppliers with a high degree of professionalism, irrespective of whether or not we have recommended their services. We operate independently and do not accept any form of commission from suppliers – any form of discount will always be passed directly to you

         How do you charge for your services?

 Each couple’s needs, ideas, and budgets are different. We have a flat fee per event based upon the typical services required of us, and then we can customize a plan that works within your budget. Under the flat fee rate we will complete all the work that we have agreed to do regardless of how long it takes us to complete, it is like an all-inclusive plan. 

Your packages don’t cover exactly what we want – can you offer something completely bespoke?

In a word, yes! Our listed services are based upon what we believe are the more common areas where couples require assistance, but we recognise that your wedding is unique and our listed options may not be exactly what you are looking for. We will happily design a personal package that meets your requirements – please contact us so that we can discuss the services you require 

How far in advance should we book our wedding?

 At Tristar, we usually book weddings 4-6 months or even one year in advance of your wedding date. For larger weddings, we recommend 9-12 months in advance. But we will always advise that the earlier you get started the better to guarantee the venue you desire 

Best Party Planner

We are specialized in planning parties, social and corporate event, we say specialized in planning and not organizing events only because every individual or organization have few priorities may be coz.. of some personal experience, taste, brand etc.(Only if asked for service providers we can recommend few vendor as per specification) as not many would like to experiment a new service provider for there special occasion unless they have experienced personally.

Keeping all the above details into consideration we assist our clients with meetings as per there schedule along with budgeting.

Detail about flow of the event is given.(The client has the final say)

And finally execution

If you have ever attended a large meeting for work or an elaborate wedding, chances are good you have experienced the services of an event planner. Event planners work on a multitude of events with one goal in mind: to make the event run smoothly. Our job is to cover every aspect of a large, organized party, social & corporate Event from start to finish. 

Pre-Event Duties

We work closely with their clients to determine the purpose and scope of an event. The client establishes the time and location, and sets a budget for the planner. Working under these parameters, the event planner seeks bids from local meeting places and service providers, such as caterers. We may need to contract for lodging and transportation services for guests, or arrange meetings and breakout sessions within a conference. We also select featured speakers for meetings and send announcements or invitations. The client has the final say on the location, services and features.

During the Event

We supervises setup for the event, including the use of equipment such as sound systems and videoscreens. While the event is in progress, the planner works to keep the guests and host satisfied and strives to meet their needs. We makes sure the event stays on schedule and that featured speakers or performers are prepared and cued. At the conclusion, we are responsible for supervising cleanup. At the end we meet with the client to review the event, discuss bills and receive payment.

Prabhakar

9867166540