Rituals Taking Place on the Wedding Day
1. Baraat
The Groom (Joshua) and his wedding party will dance their way to the wedding. As Joshua’s family make their way inside, they will be welcomed by the Bride’s (Selina) Mother.
2. Madhuparka
Joshua is welcomed to the mandap (stage) by his future Mother-in-law. In the Madhuparka, Joshua’s feet are washed, and he is offered honey and milk for his new life ahead with their daughter.
3. Kanya Agamana
Selina’s bridesmaids make their way down the aisle, followed by Selina, her maternal Uncles and closest male family members. When she reaches the mandap, there is a curtain, that separates her from Joshua – which signifies that they come as separate individuals. The curtain is lowered and the couple exchange flower garlands to show their consent to marriage.
4. Ganesh Pooja
The wedding ceremony then begins with a prayer, honouring Lord Ganesh, the remover of all obstacles. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesh is always worshipped before starting any new chapter in one’s life. Ganesh is the Lord of all circumstances, and no Hindu ritual or auspicious occasions is ever undertaken without him.
5. Kanya Daan
The ritual is where Selina is given away by her parents.
Selina’s right hand is placed on Joshua’s right hand, thereby entrusting her future happiness to him. In essence the bride’s parents are handing over the Goddess Laxmi (their daughter) to Lord Vishnu (the Groom).
6. Hasta Melap
Joshua’s scarf is tied to Selina’s scarf which symbolizes the union of their souls. The priest chants mantras to invoke the blessings of Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Parvati for the bride. The relatives also come together to bless the couple and shower grains of rise and petals on them.
7. Mangal Pheras
Selina and Joshua circle around the sacred fire four times signifying the four basic human goals:
1) Dharma: To pursue life’s religious and moral duty
2) Artha: To pursue prosperity and help the underprivileged
3) Kama: To pursue earthly pleasures
4) Moksha: To pursue spiritual salvation
8. Saptapadi
Joshua helps Selina touch seven betel nuts with her right toe, whilst they recite the seven vows. With each step, the Groom chants mantras in which he will request support from his wife. With God as their witness, Selina and Joshua take seven steps together representing their vows and promises they are making to each other:
1) To nourish each other
2) To grow together in physical, mental and spiritual strength.
3) To preserve our wealth and prosperity
4) To serve each other with happiness and harmony
5) To care for our healthy, long-lived children
6) To be together forever in all responsibilities
7) To have everlasting friendship and true companionship.