Indian Weddings signify much more than decorations, fineries, entertainment, wedding planners, mehendiwalis and flowers. First and foremost it is the union of two like minded hearts. Secondly it is a bond not only of two people for a lifetime commitment but also between two families. Thirdly Hindu marriages are elaborate occasions of rituals, customs and norms. Traditional Hindu marriage ceremonies last for almost four to five days at a stretch. Pre Wedding Ceremonies in India forms an integral part of the Indian wedding Ceremonies.
Before the main wedding occasion a number of pre wedding factors are taken into consideration. Preparing the bride’s trousseau, fineries, the invitation list, and the venue all calls for hard work and skill. The bride and groom have to go through a number of Pre Wedding Ceremonies in India before she finally ties the knot on the main day. Some of the important Pre Wedding Ceremonies in India are Sangeet, Mehendi, Tilak and Engagement ceremony. In Telegu wedding ritual some of the Pre wedding ceremonies are Muhartam, Pendikoohuru ceremony, Snathakam ritual, Kashi Yatra, Mangala Snanaam Yatra, Aarti, Ganesh and Gauri Puja.
India each region has a different way of celebrating Pre Wedding Ceremonies in India. These ceremonies are as significant as the main marriage ceremony and form an integral part of the whole gamut. Pujas and Yagnas are performed for the well being of the couple. Sangeet Ceremony is an occasion when the bride is blessed by her elders which is then followed by merrymaking, songs and dance. A mehendiwali is called forth on the occasion of Mehendi Ceremony who designs the bride’s hand with intricate patterns. Haldi is also regarded as an auspicious occasion by the Hindus. Both the bride and bride groom are smeared with Haldi. This ceremony is also known as Uptaan elsewhere in India. A paste is made from Turmeric, rosewater and sandalwood. The bride and the groom are barred from seeing each other after this ceremony till the marriage day.
In some parts of India Tilak Ceremony is also significant. The Engagement Ceremony deals with the exchange of rings between the bride and the groom in the presence of a pujari. Generally the marriage date is fixed after the Sagaai or engagement ceremony.
These Pre Wedding Ceremonies in India may be different for the different races and clans. However each of the custom has one thing in common and that is to prepare the bride and the bride groom for the auspicious marriage day. The bride grooms and brides dress in their fineries and are surrounded by all members of the family and friends. The occasions are further enlivened by songs, dance mehendi rituals and general discussions on love, marriage, and after marriage commitments.
