- Hindu wedding traditions are quite different than wedding traditions in Western cultures. Traditional weddings typical of in Western culture are "love" marriages where the bride and groom select each other. Indian weddings are arranged marriages, where the families of the bride and groom select the couple. The selection of the bride and groom and the social combination of two families is a major decision that is not taken lightly.
A traditional Hindu wedding takes place over the span of several days. There are five distinct rituals that take place during an Indian wedding: Misri, Mehendi Party, Sangreet Party, Haldi and Saptapadi. Although the details of some of these rituals differ based on local customs, the overall premise remains the same throughout Indian and Hindu culture.
The Misri is the engagement party or ring ceremony. The bride and groom exchange rings with a priest present. After the Misri comes the Mehendi Party. This part of the wedding celebration is where the bride's hands and feet are painted with henna. Some family members also have henna designs painted on their hands to symbolize their support of the marriage. The Sangreet Party takes place on the eve of the wedding and brings the families together to celebrate, eat, drink and dance. On the morning of the wedding Haldi, a cleansing ritual, takes place. During this ritual, the bride and groom are covered in turmeric powder. After the cleansing ceremony everyone goes on to attend the actual wedding ceremony. The ceremony lasts for several hours and takes place in a well-decorated tent. After the wedding ceremony the bride and groom perform the Saptapadi ritual, where they walk around a fire seven times while a priest speaks of the significance of marriage. - The food served at an Indian wedding depends on what part of India the wedding is taking place in. Traditional Indian wedding fare is vegetarian, with some sects and regions adding fish or chicken to their meals. Finger food is another common type of Indian wedding fare. Many small dishes are wrapped in banana leaves. Rice and sweet curd are enjoyed by the wedding guests, as are drinks such as buttermilk, juice and soft drinks. Those interested in integrating Indian wedding fare into their own weddings should look for recipes that include Indian finger foods, as these can make delicious hors d'oeuvres.
- Traditional Indian wedding decor is very bright and vibrant. Rich colors such as red, burgundy, gold and orange are widely used. The flowers used in Indian wedding decorations are usually marigolds, roses and jasmine. Individuals interested in adding Indian themes to their wedding should consider the use of vibrant colors and flowers such as marigolds. Indian brides wear vibrant robes and plenty of jewels. Indian wedding decorations should incorporate these elements into the overall theme and layout of the wedding. Sprinkling faux jewels along guest tables and having marigold centerpieces are two great ideas for Indian wedding decor.
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