We all see the weddings done on the other side of the world, and we do slightly adore those simple weddings. Aren’t those weddings with bridesmaids and bachelorette parties, super fun? You also don’t have to meet a hundred Uncle and Aunts who keep asking you about your future, in those grand big fat Indian weddings. But, every cloud has a silver lining, even though the Indian weddings are a teeny bit annoying, the wedding rituals are totally gorgeous.

Let us see some wedding rituals which set Indian weddings apart.

Sangeet

Image Courtesy

This is probably the most fun part about the Indian weddings. Everyone just gets along and dances without a care in the world. This is the fun part before all the serious stuff begins. The cousins and the friends, sometimes the Uncle and the aunts get together and choreograph a number for the bride and the groom.

Mehndi ceremony

Image Courtesy

The hands and feet of the bride, and sometimes even the groom, are beautifully decorated with henna or mehndi. Sometimes, the names of the bride and the groom are hidden in the mehndi. It is also said that, darker the mehndi stronger is the love between the pair. During this fun event all the relatives also put on mehndi and have fun.

Haldi ceremony

Image Courtesy

The haldi ceremony is the one in which a paste of haldi is applied on the bride and the groom’s body before their wedding. This ceremony is held at both the bride and the groom’s place, on the morning of the wedding day. The paste is believed to ward off evil spirits and provide powerful healing properties along with that glow needed for the wedding. In a few cultures, this ceremony is also held a day before the wedding, after the mehendi ritual. It is known by different names in different regions, like ubtanmandhatel baan, etc. This vibrant ceremony is sometimes accompanied by dancing and songs at times.

“Saant Phere”

Image Courtesy

The bride and the groom pledge their vows around a holy fire which acts as a witness to the whole ceremony. The bride and groom take 7 rounds around the holy fire, which signifies the seven vows they take. This is often followed by the groom tying a “Mangalsutra” around the bride’s neck.

Hiding the shoes

Image Courtesy

This fun part of the wedding attracts all the siblings of the bride and the groom. The bride’s family try to steal the groom’s shoes which the groom’s side try to protect it. If the bride’s side are successful in stealing the shoes, the groom has to pay them some money to get back his shoes. Who said Indian weddings are boring?

Aeki beki

Image Courtesy

After the whole wedding ceremony when the bride comes to the groom’s house, this fun game is played to relax the pair. A tray of water is mixed with sindoor and milk and it is filled with rings and coins. Whoever finds the rings four out of seven times will rule the household. This fun event leaves everyone with giggles and smiles.