Thursday, June 13, 2013

Indian Wedding Terminology


Have you ever come across terms in an Indian wedding not knowing what they mean? Here is a mini glossary that will help you understand the meaning of various terms :

Aarti - A Hindu ritual of worship where a prayer is accompanied by fire from candles,camphor or a Diya ( lamp with an oil soaked wick).

Antarpaat - Piece of cloth (curtain) that separates the bride and groom at the beginning of a Hindu wedding ceremony.

Baraat - A groom’s procession

Garba - A pre-wedding ceremony where everyone gathers to perform Garba - a folk dance that originates from Gujarat.

Grahapravesh - The first time the newly wed couple enters their house

Haldi - A pre-wedding ceremony where a paste known as Ubtan containing turmeric, herbs and chandan (sandalwood) is applied on the face, arms and feet of the bride and groom in their respective homes.

Havan Kund - A vessel in which fire is lit for Puja (Prayer). A Vivaah Havan is the sacred fire around which a wedding takes place.

Kanyadaan - A ritual in which the father of the bride hands over all his rights and duties towards his daughter to her prospective Groom.

Milni - Ritual where the bride’s family welcomes the groom’s family.

Varmala / Jaimala - Wedding garlands exchanged by the Bride and Groom.

Mangalsutra - Sacred necklace that the groom ties around the bride's neck signifying their marriage.

Sangeet - A pre-wedding ceremony originating from Punjab where everyone gathers to sing traditional folk songs.

Sindoor - Vermillion applied along the parting (Maang) of a married woman's hair.

Vidaai - The departure of the bride from her home to her husband's home.










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