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Overview
Hindu weddings are one of the most important ceremonies in the lives of the Hindus. The script is enchanted in Sanskrit, which is the language that is used in most of the holy ceremonies. Hindu weddings are considered as holy ceremonies and the rituals are carried out in an extremely traditional way. The rituals have changed over the years but the basics are the same.
The weddings are usually held in a temple. Some families as per their tradition might choose to have the ceremony in a particular temple. Sometimes a pyre is created at the marriage venue and the environment is recreated.
IndiaWeddingPlanner.com can guide you through the procedure of arranging a Hindu wedding.
Rituals and Customs
Hindu weddings are done in a ‘puja’ form as per the Puranas. It is a Vedic ‘yajna’, a Vedic sacrifice where the ‘devas’ or Gods are invoked. The Aryan deities are invoked in ancient Indo-Aryan style. It is performed in the presence of the fire-deity or the sacred fire known as Agni. By law and tradition, no Hindu marriage is deemed complete unless in the presence of the sacred Fire, the bride and the bridegroom have made seven encirclements.
The Hindu weddings are conducted by the ‘pandit’ or priest who is the master of ceremonies. The priest chants ‘mantras’ or holy chants as prescribed in the holy books. He recites various prayers and seeks blessings for the couple. Usually both the bride and the bridegroom’s parents are present at the wedding so that any minor variations in the two family wedding traditions can be resolved amicably.
Highlights
These days with changes in the thinking and shortage of time the ceremonies are not as long as they used to be. The tradition of inviting a lot of people is also receding slowly. The number of rituals performed is also less now with several of them losing their relevance. Certain ceremonies are now picked up by the families involved and the effect of other wedding ceremonies of other religions on Hindu weddings is also evident.
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