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Indian Bride
- Wedding Day Rituals
By Raveendran Nambyar
Marriage speaks of love, commitment, and companionship. In Hindu
custom and tradition wedding is celebrated for several days. The
rituals are based on ‘Vedic’ traditions, signifying different
aspects of married life. The day includes rituals like var-mala
and mandap.
The bride facing east puts a garland on groom, following the
example set by Sita, in Ramayana. This is considered as
‘swayamvara’ or acceptance of the groom as her husband on her
own free will. Groom reciprocates and puts a garland on her neck
too. The rituals and customs associated with marriage portray
the real essence of wedding.
‘Mangalsutra’ is one such symbol of marriage that has far
reaching significance to an Indian married woman. It is a sacred
bond of love and goodwill worn by married women through out her
life. The groom ties it around the neck of the bride, during the
‘muhurath’ on the day of their marriage signifying their union.
It is known by different names in different states of the
country. In south it is known as ‘Thaali’ and Mangalsutra in
north India. Mangalsutra symbolizes dignity, social status and
love. The most common type is made of two strings of small black
beads with a locket or pendant. It is also made of small beads
of gold and black beads with gold and diamond pendant. The black
beads signify protection from evil power. It is believed to
protect their marriage and life of their husbands. For married
women it is auspicious to wear mangalsutra always.
It is part of the rituals to exchange rings with the name of the
spouse engraved on it. The bride and the groom take the
‘sapta-padi’ or seven rounds together around fire or lighted
lamps.
They are husband and wife now, sanctified by ‘agni’ or fire.
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