Indian Weddings with all their grandeur and magnificence have cast its spell on numerous foreigners that there are many that consider getting married in India. Consequently wedding tourism in India is increasingly gaining popularity. Aside from the opulence, another striking feature of Indian weddings is their loyalty to customs and traditions. As is that the case with other parts of India, North Indian weddings also follow tons of rituals and customs. North Indian wedding traditions include many rites and rituals performed on the day.
In traditional North Indian weddings, the most ceremony takes place at the brides’ home. There are many pre-wedding and post-wedding ceremonies also. The foremost important of the previous is that the Mangni or Sagai or engagement ceremony. On the auspicious day of the marriage, the bride’s father treats the groom to yogurt and honey and graciously welcomes him into the household. One among the foremost important of North Indian wedding traditions is that the exchanging of garlands, commonly mentioned because the Jaimala ceremony and is symbolic of accepting each other.
The ceremonial fire or Havan is lit and Agni is invoked to witness the occasion. Fire is considered a purifying element in Hindu rites and rituals. The couple then offers sacrifice or Rajaham to the hearth. This is often typical to North Indian wedding traditions. The ritual that follows next is that the Gath Bandhan, symbolic of eternal ties. Then it’s the turn of what’s considered the foremost important all North Indian wedding traditions – the Saat Phere or Mangal Phere. The bride and groom circle the hearth often holding hands and take vows to be beside one another throughout their lives. Both sets of oldsters and other elders of the family then bless the newly wedded couple.
North Indian wedding traditions also include putting on the Mangal Sutra also and application of vermillion on the bride’s head by the groom. These rituals have a deeper symbolic relevance and a particular quaint charm and appeal. It’s no wonder then that they enamor even foreigners. If you’re one among those that prefer to marry following the North Indian wedding traditions, simply avail of any the special wedding tour packages on offer by Namaskar India Tour. There are many exotic wedding venues in India and a splendid wedding in any of them is certain to stay embedded in your memories forever.