INDIAN WEDDINGS

In Hindu dharma, marriage is viewed as a sacrament and not a contract. Hindu marriage is a life-long commitment of one wife and one husband, and is the strongest social bond that takes place between a man and a woman.

Grahastha Ashram (the householder stage), the second of the four stages of life begins when a man and a woman marry and start a household. For a Hindu marriage is the only way to continue the family and thereby repay his debt to his/her ancestors.

In Hindu view, marriage is not a concession to human weakness, but a means for spiritual growth. Man and woman are soul mates who, through the institution of marriage, can direct the energy associated with their individual instincts and passion into the progress of their souls

Hindu marriage steps

 In hindu community first step of marriage is that to match kundali . it is one kind of mith that people think that if kundali will match couple will live a happy life they will not face any problem in their life. During birth time kundali is made by priest it is one kind of calcullation of planet. when kundali match bride & birdegroom family setup time to meet eachother family and in this time bride and bridegroom meet eachother and decide whether they like eachother or not . if they seem perfect lifepartner in eachother then they tell deccission to their family.  their family decide date of marriage by confurming to priest.

Engagement Ceremony   Indian weddings are known for their elaborate ceremonies and opulent celebrations. Besides, they are held in a very traditional manner, commemorating numerous rituals as per the ancient Vedic era. This has sanctified the institution of marriage, making it one of the most important happenings in one's life. Engagement ceremony is one such ceremony which marks the beginning of the wedding concord. It is also knows as the sagai ceremony or ring ceremony. A formal ring exchange then solemnizes the occasion. The girl puts the ring on the boy’s right hand ring finger. The boy puts the ring on the girl’s left hand ring finger. The ring finger is chosen as it is believed that it connects to the veins of the heart. In some ceremonies, a priest is invited to recite holy mantras. The prospective groom and bride are made to meet each other’s family. A lunch or dinner is then organized, depending on the time of the ceremony, for all the guests and family members. The Significance of the Engagement Ceremony These engagement rituals are significant as they serve to form a bond between the would-be marriage partners. The prospective bride and groom meet each other, face to face, probably for the first time. They get the chance to perform a formal introduction.