Hindu Wedding Rituals
Mehendi, haldi, the sacred fire and the seven pheras.
Pre-wedding
Roka / Tilak
The first formal commitment between the two families, marking that the match is settled.
Ganesh Puja
An opening prayer to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles before the wedding rites begin.
Haldi
A turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom for a radiant glow and protection before the wedding.
Gaye Holud
The Bengali turmeric ceremony — haldi from the groom's home is carried to the bride and applied to her.
Mehendi
Intricate henna is applied to the bride's hands and feet, surrounded by music and celebration.
Chooda & Kalire
The bride's maternal uncle gifts her red-and-white bangles; friends tie golden kalire to them.
Sangeet
A musical celebration where both families sing, dance, and perform for the couple.
Wedding day
Baraat
The groom's wedding procession arrives at the venue with music and dancing.
Milni
The formal welcome where corresponding elders of both families meet and exchange garlands.
Ponkhvu
The Gujarati welcome where the bride's mother greets and playfully 'grabs the nose' of the groom.
Madhuparka
The groom is honoured as an esteemed guest with a drink of honey, yoghurt and ghee.
Jaimala / Varmala
The bride and groom exchange flower garlands, signalling mutual acceptance.
Subho Drishti
The auspicious first look between the Bengali bride and groom.
Saat Paak & Mala Badal
The bride circles the groom seven times, then the couple exchange garlands.
Kashi Yatra
A playful South Indian rite where the groom 'sets off' to renounce the world and is coaxed back to marry.
Oonjal
The couple is seated on a decorated swing as women sing and ward off the evil eye.
Jeelakarra Bellam
A defining Telugu moment — the couple place a paste of cumin and jaggery on each other's heads.
Kanyadaan
The bride's parents formally entrust their daughter to the groom.
Antarpat & Mangalashtak
A Maharashtrian rite — a curtain between the couple drops as the Mangalashtak verses end and they garland each other.
Havan / Vivah Homa
The sacred fire is lit as the divine witness to the marriage.
Mangal Phere / Saptapadi
The couple circles the sacred fire, taking vows that bind them as partners.
Joota Chupai
The bride's sisters steal the groom's shoes and ransom them back — a beloved bit of wedding fun.
Sindoor & Mangalsutra
The groom applies sindoor and ties the mangalsutra, marking the bride as married.
Sindoor Daan
The Bengali groom applies sindoor to the bride's hair parting, completing the marriage.
Mangalya Dharanam
The South Indian tying of the thaali (sacred marriage thread/pendant) around the bride's neck.
Talambralu
A joyful Telugu ritual where the couple shower each other with turmeric-coated rice.
Ashirvad
Elders bless the newly married couple for a long and prosperous life together.