Weave in a classically traditional Hindu Wedding Ceremony with Grand Lotus.
India is the land of traditions and the rich cultural heritage plays a crucial role in different celebrations highlighting the unity in diversity, the pillar of strength signifying this country. When we speak of culture and tradition, Indian weddings are not exceptional. Hinduism is one of the oldest religions. The sacred scriptures, the ancient epics and the strong beliefs of ancestors treasured in the hearts of Indians can be strongly seen in the traditional ceremonies that follow during the pre-nuptial period and on the day of any Hindu wedding ceremony.
Hindus strongly believe in astrology and once the Kundali (birth-chart) of the bride and groom is matched, the astrologer or the pandit (priest) with the elders in the family decide over an engagement date and the wedding day. The wedding time is called Muhurat, which simply means auspicious time. The finest moments are indeed cherished forever and to create the best Grand Lotus; the most premium banquets located at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai; offer finely crafted banquet spaces with thematic décor.
Engagement Ceremony in Hindu Wedding
The Hindu wedding marks its new beginning with the engagement ceremony. This function too is celebrated equivalently like a wedding ceremony, these days. Photoshoots, gathering of guests, games and a lot more fun moments fill this day. It is the day when the couples express their agreement to accept each other in the form of marriage. Gifts and sweets are exchanged to express happiness. After the engagement ceremony invitations are done and then follows the final preparations for the big day.
Most of the Indians must have seen the Bollywood blockbuster movie, ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun,” and this movie has carved a long-lasting impact on wedding celebrations in India. The wedding scenario, games and rituals are beautifully presented in this movie. The ceremonies differ depending on the grounds of regions and cultures, religion and faiths in India. Every state in India follows a unique cultural heritage yet some of the common pre-nuptial ceremonies like Haldi, Mehendi and Sangeet are common and celebrated in a bigger frame across the country. Ages ago, these rituals were just bound with the families. The scenario changed with modern thinking and now friends, relatives and well-wishers are invited for these events. This in turn gives rise to the need for a large space with facilities and banquet halls like Grand Lotus Banquets (multicultural Hall in Navi Mumbai) are booked for grand Masti (merriment) and amusement.
The sangeet ceremony as the name suggests is all about singing, music, folklore, dance on various themes right from regional to western adaptations. Bollywood numbers, Punjabi tadka with some Tollywood or Kollywood add to the magic. It is a celebration where the bride and the groom’s family get together to rejoice in the realm of melodies.
The Mehendi follows next. Do you remember the DDLJ Mehendi song? Well, movies glorify it. In most cases, this function is purely meant for the bride to enjoy with her female cousins and friends. In some cultures, the groom’s name is written in the Mehendi design of the bride, which after marriage, the groom will find out as his task. This is at times a separate game in some wedding functions. Some decades ago, the Mehendi function was held separately in both families while now in some cases, the families come together and celebrate the ritual jointly for more fun and excitement.
Haldi Ceremony (Turmeric Glow)
Finally comes the most auspicious ceremony of Haldi (Turmeric). This ceremony is conducted separately in both the families either a day before the nuptials or on the morning of the wedding day. The Haldi ceremony has deep stories attached to its history. Yellow colour is considered holy, the colour of good luck, prosperity and fertility. It is believed to remove evil and bless the couple with happiness. It is a day where both the bride and the groom’s family stay at their den. With this ritual also growing as a grand celebration, spacious setups are the need of the hour.
Hindu Wedding Kanyadan Ceremony
The dreams turn into reality on the actual big day. The wedding day is bright like the Sunrise of hope. The rituals begin with offering prayers to Lord Ganesh. The invocation of Lord Ganesh is symbolic of good luck and new beginnings. It is believed that the lord will clear all the obstacles in the path of the couple, getting united in a happy marriage.
Speaking about the highlights – Hindu marriage is culturally rich and ancient cultures like ‘Kanyadan’ is filled with nostalgia. Indeed, it is a time filled with mixed feelings for both the bride and the groom. The bride’s parents offer their daughter in marriage and this handing over is beautifully referred to as ‘Kanyadan’. The bride and the groom are asked to hold hands while the mother of the bride, pours water on the hands of the groom, which slides down the hands of the bride, naturally like flowing emotions.
The glance of exchanging floral garlands – Jai mala or var mala as they are traditionally called is a treat to the eyes. It does have symbolic meaning and it is about acceptance. The groom tying a knot in the form of Mangalsutra in some cultures to the bride’s neckline symbolizes Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and good luck. Mangalsutra is an ornament worn by the bride lifelong, depicting safety, prayers for long life for husband and blessings of the Goddess in their life.
Hindu Wedding Saath Pheera (Saptpadi)
Hindu marriage is incomplete without Saptadi or the Saath Pheera (seven circles around the holy fire). This is the most pious moment of any wedding ceremony. It is all about praying, chanting vows of duty, love, fidelity, respect and promise to stay in the wedlock forever. The holy fire is the witness and indeed spreads a positive aura. Traditionally this ritual is chanted in the ancient Sanskrit language. This ritual partially completes the wedding vows. Finally, one would love to see the groom applying red or orange sindoor (vermillion) on the forehead of the bride. Here one can sense variations in rituals according to the states. A Punjabi wedding sindoor application would be different from that of a Maharashtrian wedding. Every tradition has a story so is the Hindu culture that is all about ancient science as well as emotions of respect, love and beliefs. A Hindu wedding or vivah is all about beauty and uniqueness.
Unity in Diversity with Grand Lotus Wedding Venue in Navi Mumbai
India is all about culture, languages, scripture and epics. India’s secular mindset can be visualized in different kinds of wedding rituals followed by different communities and religions. A Christian wedding depicts the picture of a bride dressed in a white gown, holding a bouquet in hand. She is escorted by the cute flower girls and a beautiful bride’s maid. The groom is seen dressed in a suit like a perfect gentleman. The best man is his companion. The wedding bell rings with some prayers and an exchange of rings. The reception and ball dance follows; raising the toast of wine followed by cutting a majestic cake is picturesque. When we speak of Muslim weddings or ‘Nikah’, the wedding is solemnized in the presence of priests, holy verses of the Quran and the vow ‘Qubool hai’ (Agreement) uttered by the bride and the groom depicts the promise of togetherness.