WEDDING PROGRAM
Baarat (Groom's Entrance)
Saawan arrives with his parade of family and friends ending at the entrance where Kalindi's family comes out to greet them.
Swagatam
The bride's family receives the groom and his family upon their arrival for the wedding ceremony. Kalindi's mother performs rituals and gives her blessings. Saawan is then asked to step on an earthen pot symbolizing his willingness to take on life's challenges and wonders before being led to the mandap.
Ganesh Puja
At the mandap, the ceremony commences with a prayer to Lord Ganesh, who is the remover of obstacles and provider of good luck. Saawan enters the mandap and the Antarpat (curtain) is placed in front of the groom, signifying the separate lives of the bride and groom, which will soon end with their union.
Kanya Aagaman (Bride's Entrance)
Kalindi makes her grand entrance with her maternal uncles and brothers. Saawan won't be able to see her until she reaches the mandap as a curtain is held in front of him to block his view. When they are both seated at the mandap, the curtain will be removed, signifying the removal of barriers between the couple.
Jai Mala
Kalindi and Saawan will exchange floral garlands signifying they have chosen each other as partners for life.
Kanyadaan & Hast Melap
Kalindi's parents entrust their daughter to Saawan, placing her hand in his. He promises to love, honor, and respect her forever.
Gath Bandhan (Tying the Knot)
The ends of the couple's scarves are tied together, symbolizing the joining of their lives as eternal partners.
Agni Pooja
A fire representing Lord Agni, the God of Fire, is lit in the center of the Mandap. Kalindi and Saawan offer various items to feed the fire and recite vows to be faithful and respectful to one another.
Mangal Phera
Kalindi and Saawan circle the fire four times together. Saawan leads the first 3 rounds and Kalindi leads the fourth. The four rounds symbolize their journey through life: 1. Dharma (Obligations and Duty)- Duty to each other, family, and society 2. Moksha (Enlightenment)- Eternally uniting with God through prayers and meditation 3. Aartha (Wealth and Prosperity)- Earning honorably and supporting each other 4. Karma (Deeds)- Unconditional love
Saptapadi
Kalindi and Saawan take seven steps to represent 7 vows they make to each other as they begin their new journey. 1. To respect, honor, and nourish each other 2. To grow physical, mental, and spiritual strength 3. To trust and be loyal to each other 4. To cultivate appreciation of knowledge, values, sacrifice, and service 5. To reconfirm the view of love, family, and spiritual growth 6. To follow the principles of Dharma 7. To nurture an eternal bond of friendship
Mangal Sutra, Sindoor, & Ring Exchange
Saawan applies sindoor (red vermillion powder) to the parting of Kalindi 's hair and places a mangal sutra (sacred necklace) around her neck. The couple exchanges rings as a symbol of love, commitment, and respect.
Kansar
The couple feed each other sweets signifying their first meal together as husband and wife and demonstrating that they will share all things in life.
Chedo Pakad
Saawan holds the mother-in-law's sari to signify that he is now her son as well and that he can ask things from her. Kalindi's mother will give him a gift in order to persuade Saawan to release the sari.
Akhand Saubhagyawati
Married women from both families whisper advice and good wishes in Kalindi's ear as they bless the couple in beginning their journey as newlyweds.
Aashirvaad
The priest declares Saawan and Kalindi as husband and wife and blesses the newlyweds. The couple then receives blessings from family and friends.
Saband bhandvani
The youngest uncle from each family honor one another, and the union of the families by feeding each other traditional sweets.
Aeki Beki (Coin game)
After the ceremony is completed, the couple plays a coin game. In this game, there is a bowl of water mixed with milk, sindoor, multiple coins, and one ring. The objective of the game is to find the ring, as it is said that whoever finds the ring shall rule the household.