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Acceptance of the alliance
The 'chandlo' (applying the vermilion mark on the forehead) announces the acceptance of the alliance between the two families. This ceremony is usually observed after the matrimonial alliance is fixed but before the wedding date is fixed. A priest or 'pujari' officiates at this ceremony and blesses the couple by applying the 'chandlo' on their foreheads.
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Commencement of all marriage rituals
The Ganesh 'puja' signals the start of all the festivities. The 'Ganesh Sthapan' is a small family function wherein the priest invokes the blessings of
Lord Ganesha. The 'puja' is performed in both homes by the paternal aunts or 'phois'. In return for their efforts the 'phois' receive lavish gifts.
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Traditional Gujarati dance
The 'Garba raas', a graceful Gujarati folk dance captures the essence of celebration and is performed in large circles by women singing and dancing to the beat of the 'dhol' (drum). The men join in for the 'dandia raas', a rhythmic dance performed with sticks or 'dandias'.
The Garba is normally held after 8 p.m. up until midnight.
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Beautification ritualsThe 'pithi' ceremony is performed simultaneously in both homes and prepares the bride and groom for the nuptials. A paste called 'pithi' made of sandalwood powder, turmeric, herbs, aromatic oils and rose water is prepared and applied on the faces, arms and legs of the bride by members of her family. The groom undergoes a similar ritual in his home.
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Constructing the canopy for the wedding rites
This ceremony bears a deep religious significance because the parents of the couple seek the blessings of Mother Earth and ask permission to commence with the digging of the soil to erect the 'mandva' or 'mandap' (platform erected for the wedding rites covered with a canopy).
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The bride receives gifts from her maternal uncle
The custom of 'mosaalu' originated centuries ago when there were no legal rights existing for daughters. It was customary for the parents to start making provisions for their daughter by gifting her with things on occasions like 'rakshabandhan' or 'bhaibheej'. These gifts accumulated as 'streedhan' (daughter's wealth).
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When the girl grows up and gets married the 'mama' or maternal uncle comes with the 'mosaalu' consisting of clothes, jewellery and other gift items including the traditional 'paanetar' (silk wedding sari - usually white with red border) and 'choodo' (ivory bangle - now replaced with acrylic or plastic). The 'mosaalu' ceremony takes place one day before the wedding
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Groom's procession
The groom, dressed in all his finery and accompanied by his close friends and family proceeds to the bride's home in a decorated car. Here, the modern day vehicle has replaced the traditional mare! The groom's sister is his constant companion and keeps jingling the 'looni' (small steel bowl filled with betel nuts) near his ear all throughout the procession! .
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The couple exchanges garlands
The groom is welcomed by the bride's mother with an 'aarti' and 'pookhana' (4 small sticks). The bride is then escorted to welcome the groom and proceeds to garland him and he reciprocates.
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Verses glorifying Lord Ganesha and asking for the well being of the coupleThese are a series of four lined verses with eight stanzas glorifying Lord Ganesha. The singing of the 'mangalastak' is a very distinct feature of marriages in the Naagar Brahmin community.
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Giving away the bride
Before the 'kanyadaan' can begin the bride's parents renew their own marriage vows. The bride is then led into the 'mandap' by her 'mama' or maternal uncle. She is seated opposite the groom on a 'paatla' or 'aasan'.
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Tying of the marital knot
The bride and groom's hands are tied with a cloth in a symbolic marital knot and they take vows to honour their commitment to each other.
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Seven steps around the sacred fire
Also known as 'saptapadi', the 'pheras' are performed immediately after the 'hasthamilap' ceremony. Here, the bride and groom walk around the sacred fire seven times repeating their marital vows. At the beginning of each 'parikrama' or circumvention, a vow is taken. The couple is then proclaimed man and wife and the ceremony is completed with the groom tying the 'mangalsutra' on the bride.
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After the 'lagna', the bride leaves her parental home in a 'doli' or palanquin. These days a decorated car usually replaces the palanquin. A ceremony wrought with emotion it is symbolic of the severing of the bride's rights in her parent's home as she now belongs to her 'sasural' (in-laws home). As she leaves, her brother presents her with a shawl, which is worn by her for the journey.
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Post wedding celebrations
Though a Western concept, the reception has become an integral part of most Indian marriages. The couple's parents host a lavish banquet for their families and friends wherein the bride and groom are introduced as a married couple and are congratulated by all. The reception is usually held in a hotel or a marriage hall.
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