Wedding ceremony of an Indian-American Hindu woman (whose parents are originally from Andhra Pradesh) marrying an American Christian man. The description of the ceremony is taken from the folder given to the guests. Midwest America, 1997.

Program

11:00 am - 12:30 pm	Hindu Ceremony
12:10 pm	Muhurtham
	Pronouncement of husband and wife.
12:30 - 1:30 pm	Lunch at temple
2:30 - 3:30	Church ceremony
3:30 - 4:30	Refreshments at church
6:00 - 7:30	Reception
7:30 - 8:30	Dinner
9:00	Dance

Hindu ceremony

The format of the Hindu ceremony was set more than 35 centuries ago. This ceremony is composed of various rituals and is performed in Sanskrit, the most ancient surviving language of the Indo-European language family. Although translation of the chants or hymns is not possible, they are briefly described below.

Swagatham (Welcome)

The groom is welcomed by the parents of the bride. The bride is then brought into the pavilion by ladies, who are relatives and friends, and is welcomed by her parents and the groom.

Ganapathi Puja (Prayer)

Upon arrival of both the bride and groom to the wedding pavilion, they offer a prayer to Lord Ganesha, Remover of all Obstacles, to ensure that the marriage ceremony takes place without impediments, and that they share a blissful life.

Punyahavachana (Preparation to conduct the sacred ceremony)

The offerings and pavilion are sanctified by sprinkling holy water while the Priest chants Vedic scriptures.

Raksha Bandhana (To ward off evil influences)

The bride and groom tie a thread around each other's wrists vowing that they will protect and take care of each other.

Madhuparkam (Offering of yogurt and honey)

The bride offers the groom a mixture of yogurt and honey as a token of purity and sweetness.

Kanyadhanam (Offering of the bride)

The parents of the bride offer her hand in marriage to the groom. It is noted that no gift is greater than a daughter.

Panigrahanam (Taking the hand of the bride)

The bride and groom hold hands and declare their acceptance of each other, and take their vows in the presence of God and all assembled. They agree to take each other's hands, and pledge to live happily as long as they both shall live.

Mangalyadharana (Pronouncement of husband and wife)

A gold pendant (Mangalasutra) strung on a sacred thread is tied around the neck of the bride by the groom in three knots. The three knots represent the Holy Trinity. This is a significant moment in the Hindu wedding ceremony.

Akshalarupanam (Sprinkling of holy rice to invoke blessings)

The bride and groom shower rice on each other to ensure a long life, prosperity, and happiness.

Vivaha (Blessings from God)

The God is invited to bless the newly married couple by lighting a fire and offering rice into the fire.

Sapthapadi (Walking the 7 Steps of marriage together)

The bride and groom walk 7 steps symbolic of 7 marital vows around the sacred fire holding hands, vowing:

With God as our guide, let us take:
The first step for togetherness, respect and honor
The second step to develop physical and emotional health
The third step to increase spiritual health
The fourth step to acquire knowledge, happiness, and harmony
The fifth step to be blessed with a healthy family
The sixth step to develop mutual restraint and longevity
The seventh step to symbolize mutual love, friendship and companionship.


Pramanam (Marriage Vows)

1. We shall both live together with mutual understanding, support and trust.
2. We will accept our happiness, sorrows, and difficulties together with cooperation and understanding.
3. We will try to lead a life as one soul and as one being.
4. We shall share all of our fortunes.
5. We will consult each other on all major decisions.
6. We shall be husband and wife, lovers, and partners, and pray to God for healthy children.
7. We shall promise to live with each other for the rest of our lives.


Pradakshanam (Walking around the fire)

Together the bride and groom walk around the fire 3 times as husband and wife, with God as their witness for an everlasting life.

Asirvodam (Blessings/Benedictions)

The couple receive blessings from parents, family and all assembled guests.

Aarati (lighting of candle)

Aarati signifies the conclusion of the wedding ceremony with a prayer for eternal peace and happiness.

Ampakan (Send-off)

Thus far in the marriage ceremony, the parents of the bride have married their daughter to the groom, but did not give him complete control. The parents of the bride now entrust their daughter first to the groom and ask him to take good care of their daughter, and then to the parents of the groom. The significance being that from this moment forward, the two families are united and considered as one.

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