It’s a good thing that Hindu wedding ceremonies have been practiced for more than 35 centuries because judging by the level of detail it probably took that long to get all the rituals right.
The ceremony, which is one of the most important of the sixteen Hindu sacraments, is based on the philosophies described in the Vedic Scriptures. Its purpose is to unite the couple’s souls so that they become harmoniously and spiritually one and to formalize the bond between their families. Traditionally, the ceremony is preformed under a Mandap, or wedding pavillion, with four pillars used to symbolize the vital role of the couple’s parents. The five elements, earth, water, air, light and fire, play an integral part in the proceedings.
BARAAT (groom’s procession)
The festivities begin with the Baraat, when Rajeev Kaul arrives on a bedazzled horse, accompanied by a parade of friends and family. The event, which includes Bollywood-style dancing, is meant to showcase the joy of the groom’s family and friends as he arrives at the wedding venue to take Gitika Ahuja as his bride.
MILNI (meet and greet)
Once Rajeev Kaul reaches his bride’s doorstep, the families meet. Respected men from both sides of the family exchange garlands and an embrace as a gesture of welcome. The loudest shouts from the crowd are reserved for the men who lift each other up. The higher the lift, the noisier the crowd.
DWAR POOJA (entrance prayer)
The bride’s mother Indra Ahuja greets Rajaeev Kaul and puts a red tilak (powder) on his forehead as a symbol of the Lord’s blessing upon him. The groom is led to the ceremonial Mandap.
VAADHU PRAVESH (bride’s entrance)
The wedding ceremony begins as Gitika Ahuja, flanked by her protective brothers, comes down the aisle.
JAI MALA (exchanging of garlands)
The bride, Gitika Ahuja, acknowledges the groom, Rajeev Kaul, and places a mala (garland) around his neck. He reciprocates signifying their acceptance of one another and intention to become lifelong companions.
KANYADAAN AND PANIGRAHAN (gift/acceptance of the bride)
Gitika Ahuja accepts her change of status from an unmarried woman to a more respected married woman. The bride, who is to be known as Gitika Ahuja Kaul, is given to the groom.
MADHUPARKA (prayer for sweet nature)
The bride’s mother Indra Ahuja offers Madhuparka, a mixture of yogurt, honey and clarified butter, to Rajeev Kaul, who prays that he will emulate its purity and sweetness in caring for the bride.
GRANTHIBANDHAN (tying the knot)
The bride’s sister Deep Silver ties one corner of Rajeev Kaul’s shawl to the end of Gitika Ahuja’s veil symbolizing unity.
EXCHANGING OF RINGS
Rajeev Kaul and Gitika Ahuja exchange rings as sacred symbols of everlasting love. His ring is a surfer’s ring made of Hawaiian Koa wood and her ring is a rose gold Perlee band.
VACHAN (exchanging life vows)
Rajeev Kaul asks for the bride’s hand and affirms that it is not his sole request but one from God. Then he and Gitika Ahuja recite six mantras. They vow to take care of each other’s health and happiness and to keep unpleasant thoughts away from their lives.
LAJAHUTI AND SHILAROHAN (nuptial fire ritual)
Rajeev Kaul and Gitika Ahuja cast puffed rice as a sacrifice into a flame. The bride’s cousin, Madhur Ahuja, helps her step onto a rock to symbolize her intention to be firm, resist foes and thwart undesireable forces. The rock used in this ceremony came from Kheer Bhawani, a scared temple in Kashmir that is built over a holy spring. The groom’s family is Kashmiri.
SAATH MANGAL PHERAS (seven circles around the sacred fire)
Rajeev Kaul and Gitika Ahuja walk clockwise around the sacred fire seven times in a circle (phera). The first three times, the bride leads. The second three times, the groom leads. The last time they walk side-by-side to symbolize equality in marriage. This journey signifies their commitment to achieve righteousnesss, wealth and success, unconditional love, and spiritual enlightenment. After each circle is completed, the couple are handed a flower as a token of good luck.
SINDOOR AND DEJHOR (powder and earrings) | CHAYA PATRA (reflection vessel)
Rajeev Kaul places red vermillion power into the parting of Gitika Ahuja’s hair marking her as a married woman. The groom’s mother Mohini Kaul places dejhor (traditional Kashmiri earrings for married women) over the bride’s ears.
Mohini Kaul gives her son and his new wife a bowl of honey to ward off evil. She unites the couple’s heads, sprinkles water on their foreheads and blesses them. The groom marks this unification by placing another garland on his new bride.
SAPTAPADI (seven steps)
Rajeev Kaul and Gitika Ahuja take seven steps together putting their right foot forward. The groom stresses to the bride the importance for harmony and devotion in life.
DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE
Priest Pandita Ji Sonia Rani Bhaskar pronounces Rajeev Kaul and Gitika Ahuja married and announces the time of day to mark their new beginning.
AASHIRVAAD AND POSH PUZA (Blessings with flowers)
To mark the conclusion of a Kashmiri wedding ceremony, Rajeev Kaul and Gitika Ahuja are covered with fabric. Guests are asked to shower them with flowers. In this case, a helicopter also dropped orchids over the couple.
PICTURES AND BIDAI
The families pose for pictures. Then, Gitika Ahuja Kaul bids farewell to her family after the wedding. The blowing of a traditional conch shell announces the couple’s sacred union. Since Indian brides generally lived at home until marriage, this part of ceremony was traditionally very mournful.
CAKE CUTTING
Rajeev and Gitika Ahuja Kaul cut their wedding cake, which is topped with a custom designed figurine, an Indian bride and groom surrounded by palm trees.
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