Indian weddings are grand—a breathtaking mix of cultures and celebrations. An Indian wedding is a grand event that is not only about tying the knot. It is a tapestry of rituals and traditions for generations. Once you understand Indian wedding etiquette, you can enjoy the ceremony without offending its elevated intent.
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Whether it is the spectacular mehndi ceremony or the dignified vow exchange between the couple with the rituals involved, knowledge of some essential customs will heighten your experience. It will make you participate in feasts with so much respect and reverence.
Pre-Wedding Rituals
Many pre-wedding jovial and meaningful rituals constitute the Indian marriage preparations before that big day- the wedding ceremony. Such marriages not only unite two souls but also merge the two families. Let’s learn some such fascinating rituals!
Engagement Ceremony
It is the stage at which bond is initiated for the couple. It is a stage called “Roka” or “Sagai” in other cultures.
The ceremony is almost always a small affair between family and friends. Another sweet tradition that one comes across in this ceremony is that the couple commits to marrying each other by exchanging rings.
Gifts from the families are also exchanged to finalise the approval and blessings of their families. They can all wear traditional outfits, smile, have happy conversations, and savour delicious, traditional Indian food.
Mehendi Rituals
The Mehendi ceremony is undoubtedly one of the most colourful pre-wedding ceremonies. This ritual is usually performed a day before or on the wedding day when the hands and feet of the bride are decorated with brilliant henna designs.
Indeed, it is a time of festivity, dancing, and euphoric laughter. Friends and relatives are also present to accompany the bride, and simple, elegant henna motifs are applied to their hands, too.
The saying goes that the darker the stain of henna, the more profound the love between the couple. And everyone is curious to know how dark the bride’s henna will be.
Sangeet Celebrations
The Sangeet is really where the party begins! This pre-wedding ritual is filled with singing, dancing, and raw fun. Friends and relatives get together for a dance party. They even rehearse for weeks to surprise the couple.
There are various songs and music, from folk to Bollywood (Indian films). It sets the tone for everyone to groove. It is the right moment to let loose your hair and have a bash, celebrating the union in abundance. Everybody is invited to make a joyful jamboree of harmony and unity.
Traditions and Rituals on the Wedding Day
It is the wedding day, the last stage of celebration. It’s filled with rituals and ceremonies that date back centuries. Let’s discuss some interesting and lively traditions you may see on this day.
Baraat Procession
The most energetic and vibrant Indian wedding tradition is the Baraat. On this day, the groom reaches the wedding venue in a car, horse, or elephant. Friends and relatives dance to the beats of the band in the procession.
Usually, the groom rides a decorated horse or sometimes in a luxurious car. The people accompanying the groom in this colourful procession are known as the “baraatis.” These baraatis are close relatives and friends.
Live music or a DJ accompanies the procession, and everybody dances joyfully. It is an excellent, vibrant celebration full of energy and excitement. It sets the tone for the wedding. As guests, everyone is free to join the fun and dancing—it’s all part of the fun!
The Wedding Ceremony
Regardless of the religion, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, or Christian wedding, Indian wedding ceremonies are full of tradition and symbolism.
This central ritual of Saat Phere, or the seven vows taken around the sacred fire, exists. The couple exchange these vows for a life together, thick or thin.
Nikah is the term for Muslim marriage. It is also a formal handing over of consent to marry each other in a lawfully binding agreement by the couples.
The Sikh marriages have the “Anand Karaj,” a meaningful ceremony in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. Though each is different, each exudes a great sense of divinity and attachment. As an onlooker, this could touch you.
Indian Wedding Etiquette: The Dress Code
Indian weddings are not only the union of hearts but also the celebration of culture, as the attires reveal.
Dress codes vary greatly depending on regional traditions; therefore, one should always consult the bride’s or groom’s family regarding whether a specific theme needs to be followed.
Usually, bright colours are favoured, and women prefer sarees, lehengas, or Anarkali suits, whereas men mostly wear sherwanis or kurtas.
Key Dress Code Tips:
Women: White or Black coloured dresses are generally avoided as it is supposed to be the colour of a mourning dress. Colourful clothes, bold red, Orange, and green, are preferred. Bangles and earrings add more to the festive look.
Men: A Sherwani is an excellent option if it fits your body perfectly and is paired with Mojari shoes.
In short, this is the time to wear detailed and gorgeous clothing that is pleasant to the eyes and pays tribute to rich tradition and vibrancy.
Indian weddings are fantastic expressions of love, family, and culture. All these Indian wedding etiquette will help one understand the phenomenon more richly and join in the jubilation of those extraordinary occasions elegantly and respectfully.
Whether you participate in the pre-wedding rituals or attend the grand ceremony, these vibrant events provide a lifetime of memories. It is an experience in itself.
Enjoy every moment, make new friends, get to know them better, and participate in festivities to welcome the newlywed couple, wishing them on this warm and beautiful journey.
Post-Wedding Rituals
In India, a wedding is not just a function but a set of colourful ceremonies soaked in cultural significance.
Even after the ‘I dos’, the magic continues with a string of post-wedding rituals woven with tradition, emotion, and celebration of joy.
These rituals mark the beginning of an envisaged journey for the newlywed and are cherished by families on both sides.
Bidaai Ceremony
The bidaai ceremony is one of the most emotional parts of Indian wedding rituals.
Here, the bride bids tearful farewells to her family for a new life ahead with her husband. Generally, this function has the atmosphere of an emotional affair, giving bittersweet farewells to the bride who is moving out from her parental home.
In the early days, the bride used to toss handfuls of rice above her head to invoke good health and prosperity for her parents and family. In some communities, it is believed that when the bride tosses handfuls of rice, she returns everything she consumes in her parents’ house before marriage.
- Emotions Expressed: The bride starts by saying goodbye while tears flow and the air is filled with emotions and hope. Although the ceremony is sad, it is beautiful since it still shows love and happiness for the bride in her new life.
Receiving of the Bride
After Bidaai, the bride is warmly welcomed to the groom’s house. Again, this ceremony is full of new beginnings as the bride enters her new family.
- Griha Pravesh: The ritual is that the bride enters her new home by knocking the pot slightly on the threshold, which is kept full of rice to symbolise ushering abundance and prosperity into the house. It’s a highly affectionate ceremony that talks about acceptance with open arms.
- Aarti of the Newlywed: Traditionally, the mother-in-law (groom’s mother) performs the aarti first. She encircles a small flame or diya and applies the tilak to the bride and groom’s forehead. In other words, this is a way of welcoming and blessing. These customs depict the bride entering her in-laws’ family and beginning her marital journey.
Celebrations and Welcome
The celebrations move to a grand reception, where families, friends, relatives, and acquaintances celebrate the couple’s union. The reception is a grand affair with sumptuous food, music, and dancing.
- Feast and Frolic: The reception menu is a feast for the senses. It generally comprises a variety of traditional food items expressing regional flavours and familial traditions. Guests relish a sumptuous spread feasting upon the union.
- Amusement: Cultural programs, songs, and dance bring the reception party alive. Everyone joins on the dance floor and makes merriment.
- The reception is an opportunity for families and relatives to get to know each other well and leave indelible memories of joyful moments of union.
In other words, the Indian bride’s post-wedding rituals are a bag of deep feelings, ancestral conventions, and joyous celebrations. India has a rich culture and guarantees an expression of devotion, honour, and an unwritten eternity regarding the coming together of two souls.
Soaking Up to Indian Wedding Etiquette
Visiting an Indian wedding is very colourful and joyful, filled with rich cultures. Familiarity with these traditions shows respect and could even enhance your experience. Don’t forget to:
- Dress elegantly and modestly.
- Dance and participate in ceremonies enthusiastically.
- Give a thoughtful gift.
Accept these traditions and get to know the people; enjoy the colours and camaraderie of an Indian wedding. Celebrate with open arms and a joyful heart!
