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A Hindu
Wedding is a grand and an elaborate affair, often varying
with the different regions of the country. For example, a Bengali
Hindu Wedding is vastly different from a Punjabi Hindu Wedding.
But still there is a common thread of Vedic rites that binds them
all.
All Hindu
marriages are fixed according to an auspicious time
in the future. Usually astrologists are called in to check the
horoscopes of the prospective husband and wife. A mandap (wedding
altar) is set up, around which the groom and the bride sit, along
with the priest. In the center, a fire is kindled; in which puffed
rice is offered as a sacrifice. The fire is the witness to the
marriage. Then the bride's father performs the Kanyadan wherein
he places his daughter's hands into the groom's hands as a gesture
of giving her away. Then the couple takes seven rounds of the
fire, in accompaniment of Vedic chants.
The groom also applies sindur to the parting of bride's hair,
and places a necklace of black and gold beads on the bride called
the Mangal Sutra, to signify that
she is a married woman now. The marriage culminates with the Ashirwad
where the elders bless the newlyweds and shower flower on them.
Hindu Marriage ceremonies are a fun filled affair, with lots
of music and dance and guests enjoying themselves to the fullest.
(internet sources)
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