WEDDING PROGRAM
The Hindu wedding ceremony is a sacrament contained within the Vedas (Ancient Hindu scriptures), from the Vedic period, which historians place between 3000-5000 B.C.
The couple embarks on a new life enriched by their union with the blessings of God, their ancestors and elders, and the good wishes of all of their friends and relatives. The ceremony takes place in the Mandap (altar). The ceremony embraces the five elements of nature: fire, earth, water, air, and light. These elements play an integral part in the ceremony. The priest will read mantras from the Holy Scriptures in Sanskrit, the root of all modern Indian languages.
Baraat - “Welcoming of the groom”
The groom and his party arrive at the Mandap with much fanfare, singing and dancing called the Baraat.
The groom is welcomed by the bride’s mother, who marks his forehead with sindoor (red powder) for good luck, and performs Aarti (lighting of the oil lamp). A person’s forehead is believed to be the location of his/her destiny and as a result a red mark is placed in the center of the forehead during any auspicious Hindu ceremony. In some traditions, the groom steps onto a clay vessel crushing it into many pieces., demonstrating that he has the ability, strength, and determination to overcome all obstacles that the couple may face in their married life. The groom is then escorted to the Mandap by his family and friends.
GANESH PUJA BY MARK AND FATHER
The groom prepares himself for the ensuing marriage rites by performing a purification ceremony. This ceremony begins with a prayer to Lord Ganesha, who is the remover of all obstacles and symbolizes truth, friendship, and happiness.
Om Sahanavavtu (Prayer and Silent Meditation)
The Prayer: “May the Lord protect us, May He nourish us, May we acquire the capacity to pursue eternal knowledge, May our efforts shine with sacred light, May we not misunderstand each other. Om Shantihi, Shantihi, Shantihi (peace).”
Arrival of the Bride
Mala Dharanam Exchange of garlands The bride and groom Exchange Fresh flower garlands to acknowledge their mutual Acceptance of a life –long commitment. Rakshaabandhanam (Bond of Protection) A sanctified thread dipped in turmeric water, which protects the wearer from harms and trouble, is tied to the right wrist of the groom with the blessings of Durga, the Goddess of Power.
MANGALASTAKAM RECITING AUSPICIOUS PRAYER
The bride and groom are next seated in front of the hom, as a priest recites various hymns. The bride and groom exchange garlands. Next, the bride and groom places her right hand on the right hand of the groom. The priest winds a cotton thread several times eventually tying a knot while reciting hymns. This knot is an unbreakable bond between the couple and their families.
In some traditions, the garments of the bride and groom are tied together to symbolize the bond.
Hastmelapp/Gath Bandhan (Joining of hands/tying the knot)
This signifies mixing the traditions of two different families. Bride and groom join hands and the groom’s sister performs Gath Bandhan by tying a white cloth around the hands, symbolizing purity and unity.
Brahmamudi [ghat bhandhan]
To symbolize their union, the loose ends of the bride and groom’s garments are tied together in a matrimonial knot symbolizing a firm and lasting commitment.
Vivahahomam [havan]
A small fire is lit and the couple offers prayers to Agni, the God of fire, by placing butter and herbs into the flames. Agni dispels the ignorance from our lives and leads us to eternal light and knowledge
GATH BANDHAN- “TYING OF THE SACRED KNOT”
In a ritual called saptapadi, (literally, seven steps), the married couple take seven vows, sealing the marriage forever. These vows are traditionally spoken in Sanskrit, and are one of the most ancient aspects of the Hindu ceremony. They vow to:
May we be devoted to each other.
May we become strong and filled with energy.
May we enjoy good fortune and prosperity.
May we be joyous.
May we have a healthy family and be humane.
May we be adaptable to the changing seasons of life.
May we be friends forever.
SAPTAPADI- “SEVEN STEPS- SEVEN VOWS”
In a ritual called mangal-fera, the bride and groom walk around the fire four times each time a symbol of the four vows of life. dharma, artha, kaama, and moksha:
Dharma- To lead a life of morality and self- righteousness.
Artha- To have a meaningful source of wealth, prosperity, and happiness.
Kaama (Love of Family)- To love each other and have a happy family life.
Moksha (Eternal Happiness) – To lead a life of purity, compassion and kindness.
Shilarohana (Stepping on a rock for a rock solid marriage)
The groom and the bride step on a rock, symbolically placing the union on a firm foundations with the wish: “May our commitment be as resolute as this rock; together let us face all challenges and overcome all obstacles.”
The bride now sits to the left of the groom, so that she is sitting closer to his heart.
After each fera, the brides mother offers food to Mark, welcoming him into the family.
MANGAL PHERA- “CIRCLING AROUND THE HOLY FIRE”
The groom places sindoor in the part of the bride’s hair. By anointing the bride with the sindoor, he is promising to cherish her and protect her as if her life was his own. At this time he also places an auspicious necklace “Mangalsutra” to signify their marriage.
They are now considered officially married.
MANGALSUTRA AND SINDOOR- “SYMBOLS OF MARRIAGE”
Before the married couple leave the Mandap, the priest blesses the newlywed couple with wishes for everlasting happiness. The couple also seeks blessings from their families, and friends for a happily married life together.
Arundati Dharsan (Bowing to the North Star)
The groom and the bride to bow to the sun. The bride recites “We bow to you, O Soorya, the Sun God. Bless our eyes with enlightenment. May we have a long and healthy life.”
In Hindu beliefs, the North Star (Dhruva) occupies a special place in the Universe. It never moves from a fixed celestial position, just as Dhruva, who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, never wavered in his steadfast devotion to the Lord. Thus, Lord Vishnu named the North Star after Dhruva to inspire future generations. The groom points to the North Star and they recite: “I bow to you, Dhruva. May we remain as resolute as you have been for eternity.”
The priest helps the couple to identify the star of Arundhati in the sky to which they pray to obtain the highest of blessings.
Kansar Bhojan (Offering Sweets)
The bride and groom now offer sweets to each other, celebrating their Union and promising each other nourishment of body and soul.
Koda Kodi (Game of Coins)
The wedding ends with a game where the bride and
groom try to grab a coin placed in colored water. It is played three times. The winner is said to rule the household.
Shantimantra-Visarjana (Blessing of Peace and Final Invocation)
The ceremony concludes with the blessing and Shantipath (invocation of peace).
Vows
Bride and Groom exchange their own wedding vows. They then exchange rings.
Aashirvaad (Blessing from Elders)
The bride and groom offer respect to and seek blessings from the elders in the family by bowing and touching their feet.
Asirvachanam
The priest and family bless the newly married couple. Mangala Harathi The ceremony ends with the offering of good wishes to the bride and groom with lighted camphor.
Thank you for coming - Please do not be late for the tram you are designated.
ASHIRVAA- “BLESSINGS”