North Indian Wedding Traditions
There are so many people considering getting married in India because of North Indian Weddings' splendor and brilliance. As a result, wedding tourism in India is booming. There are so many expect that make north Indian weddings grand and beautiful. Luxurious outfits and magnificent traditions make it so grand that you have never experienced anything like it before. In Indian wedding tradition, the north Indian wedding ceremony has its own significance. In this post, we will go through North Indian wedding traditions.
Sagai
The bride's house is the site of the main wedding ceremony in traditional North Indian weddings. A number of ceremonies precede and follow the wedding. Mangni or Sagai, or an engagement ceremony, is the most important of the former. It's an occasion when the priest writes the wedding card after deciding the muhurat (an auspicious time and date) for the ceremony.
Haldi (Turmeric Paste)
Traditionally, this ceremony occurs either on the day before the wedding or just before the wedding. On the morning of the wedding, married women apply turmeric, oil, and water to both bride and groom. They believe this will bless them both on the wedding day.
The Groom’s Arrival
Bridegrooms are led by friends, family, and groomsmen to the wedding venue. This tradition is known as baraat ceremony. During the North Indian wedding ceremony, this is a time of celebration, enjoyment, and fun. Traditionally, grooms ride horses or elephants to the venue back when cars weren't available. Modern grooms still follow this tradition. Indian wedding photographers capture these and make them unforgettable for life. You may want to join in when you are on the bride's side.
Varmala
After the Baraat, the Varmala Ceremony marks the beginning of the wedding rituals. The bride's family will greet the groom at the venue, and the bride's mother will perform a short ritual to ward off the evil eye after the groom arrives. The groom is graciously welcomed into the family by the bride's father on the auspicious day of the wedding.
Mandap Ceremony
Traditionally, the groom waits at the Mandap for the bride to come, but some couples choose to exchange garlands after the Mother's blessing. During the ceremony, the couple praises Agni Devta (the Lord of Fire) in order to invoke the presence of Vishnu. During this ceremony, a Sastrigal (priest) chants Sanskrit, and performs rituals.
Mangalsutra & Sindoor
Symbolizing good luck, friendship, and love, the mangalsutra is a necklace made of black and gold with a gold or diamond pendant. The groom ties the pendant around the bride's neck. A red vermillion paste (also called kumkum), Sindoor, is also applied to the bride's forehead. It is a moment the couple will cherish for years to come. It is for this reason that they hire the best Indian wedding photographer to capture the best moments. These two offerings indicate the groom's devotion to his bride and her status as a newlywed.
Saptapadi
In Sanskrit, the term 'Saptapadi' means 'seven steps'. This traditional ritual completes the marriage ceremony. Walking clockwise around the fire, the couple makes seven full circles as they represent the seven promises they make to each other. The two are tied together by dupattas (scarves), which keep them together as they travel.
Vidaai (Bride’s Farewell)
Vidaai is a rite of farewell when a family bids its daughter goodbye. The bride's family and relatives accompany her out of the wedding venue, and her parents hold her close as they walk with them. There is usually a lot of emotion involved here. As a sign of love, female relatives and friends of the bride often stand in front of the car to prevent it from leaving.
North Indian Weeding Dress Traditions
Dress plays a significant role in Indian wedding ceremonies. When it comes to north Indian weddings, the red sharee and the lehenga are the most traditional dresses for the bride. Not only the couple but also the family members and guests are often seen gorgeously dressed. Be sure not to wear black since that's an inauspicious color for the ceremony. Furthermore, it is usually not acceptable to match the bride's color and wear red as a guest.
Final Thoughts
Besides these traditional practices, there are certain rituals that differ from region to region. It is a country that promotes diversity, which can be seen in weddings and their various styles. When relatives, friends, and neighbors gather for a north Indian wedding, it becomes a place of reunion. All North Indian wedding traditions have their own significance, from sagai to vidaai, people make a lot of memories.
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