India is known worldwide for its diverse ethnicity. People from across the country - the Punjabis, Rajasthanis, Marathis, Telugu, and others - follow a culture and custom deep rooted in religious faith. Right from the naming ceremony of a child, to the occasion of the marriage, and finally the cremation ceremony, Indians devote every moment of their lives to the Almighty. The grand weddings conducted across the country are reflections of the devotion and the cultural grandiosity that Indians hold in their soul.
The wedding day is considered as one of the most auspicious days in an Indian's life. The bride and groom are given special status on their wedding day. In Hindu culture, the marriages are held in commemoration with the divine wedding of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvathy. They are the ideal couple that a Hindu culture cherishes. The entire wedding ceremony of a Hindu marriage thus resonates with the rituals of that divine wedding. Right from the application of 'haldi' (turmeric) to the performance of 'havan' (sacred oblations), the wedding is conducted meticulously without missing any minute component of it.
Religious devotion apart, the marriage festivities in India hold royal charm too. On the wedding day, the couple is dressed in royal costumes embellished in costly jewelries and traditional accessories. Grooms usually wear long kurtas while brides wear the traditional sarees or lehengas in vibrant colors with dangling decorations. In Christian weddings, western attire is also used. The celebration of a typical Indian wedding lasts for the entire week in certain Hindu communities, while it may last for only one day in others. The most important part of a wedding is the 'barat,' which is the procession that takes the bridegroom to the bride's place on a white horse. The barat puts forth a spectacular show with the accompaniment and the royal seat placed on the chariot, resembling the arrival of the chivalrous knights of the ancient days.
What's a wedding without feast and dance? At night, when the guests gather at the wedding hall, the ceremony begins with incessant music and dance followed by a sumptuous dinner. The actual ritual (havan) of the marriage then begins under the supervision of an experienced priest. The ritual lasts almost the entire night after which the couple is taken to their homes accompanied by the band.
An Indian wedding is truly visual treat to people visiting India. It is an opportunity for the foreigners to dwell deep into the rich and varied culture of this country.
The wedding day is considered as one of the most auspicious days in an Indian's life. The bride and groom are given special status on their wedding day. In Hindu culture, the marriages are held in commemoration with the divine wedding of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvathy. They are the ideal couple that a Hindu culture cherishes. The entire wedding ceremony of a Hindu marriage thus resonates with the rituals of that divine wedding. Right from the application of 'haldi' (turmeric) to the performance of 'havan' (sacred oblations), the wedding is conducted meticulously without missing any minute component of it.
Religious devotion apart, the marriage festivities in India hold royal charm too. On the wedding day, the couple is dressed in royal costumes embellished in costly jewelries and traditional accessories. Grooms usually wear long kurtas while brides wear the traditional sarees or lehengas in vibrant colors with dangling decorations. In Christian weddings, western attire is also used. The celebration of a typical Indian wedding lasts for the entire week in certain Hindu communities, while it may last for only one day in others. The most important part of a wedding is the 'barat,' which is the procession that takes the bridegroom to the bride's place on a white horse. The barat puts forth a spectacular show with the accompaniment and the royal seat placed on the chariot, resembling the arrival of the chivalrous knights of the ancient days.
What's a wedding without feast and dance? At night, when the guests gather at the wedding hall, the ceremony begins with incessant music and dance followed by a sumptuous dinner. The actual ritual (havan) of the marriage then begins under the supervision of an experienced priest. The ritual lasts almost the entire night after which the couple is taken to their homes accompanied by the band.
An Indian wedding is truly visual treat to people visiting India. It is an opportunity for the foreigners to dwell deep into the rich and varied culture of this country.
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