Hindu Marriage - Rituals

According to Hindu Sastra there are four stages of life, of which Gruhastha Ashram or married life signifies the second stage. It begins, when a man and a woman come together and marry.  In India, a marriage is usually arranged by the respective parents of the bride and the groom and follows various steps. Marriage among Hindus is not only considered a union of two souls, but of two families.

• The first and the foremost step is the selection of the bride and the bridegroom.
• While in love marriages, a boy and a girl themselves select their life partner, it is crucial when it comes to arranged marriages.
• After the selection procedure is over, the family members of both the girl and boy ask the priest to suggest an auspicious date for the engagement of the two also known as  ring ceremony.
• The engagement ceremony rituals differ from region to region and community to community.
• But the basic thing in engagement is to exchange ring between each other.
• Mehandi and Sangeet party are arranged in some areas along with relatives and friends.
• Ghari puja is also another important religious ceremony, which is performed on the eve of the wedding day at the groom and bride's place separately.
• The Hindu wedding mostly takes place in a mandap or a tent, which is beautifully decorated with flowers. 
• The main Hindu wedding ceremony is a long and elaborate affair, which lasts for several hours and is attended by a large number of relatives, friends, acquaintances and so on.

One of the most significant rituals the bride and the groom perform is the Saptapadi or saat phere around a scared fire and light, which is symbolic to God. While the bride and the groom take the seven circles, the priest or purohit recites the mantras and speak of the real essence and significance of marriage. It is also during this time that the groom fills vermillion or sindoor in the center parting of the bride and puts mangalsutra around her neck. Both sindoor and mangalsutra have strong religious implications and are sacred symbols of a married woman. These were some of the rituals and customs, which were generally followed in all the Hindu marriages.