The ceremonies, explained

Mehendi the henna

Henna artists trace intricate patterns onto the hands and feet of the bride and other guests, using a natural paste that leaves a deep red-brown stain. It's a relaxed, joyful gathering — as much about music and chatter as the art itself. Tradition says the darker the henna, the stronger the love.

Sangeet the music and dance evening

An evening of music and dance where both families come together to celebrate. Friends and relatives perform songs and choreographed dances, often gently teasing the couple, before everyone spills onto the floor. It's the warm, high-spirited heart of the pre-wedding festivities.

Chuda the bridal bangles

The bride's maternal family slides a set of red-and-white bridal bangles onto her wrists. It's a tender moment of blessing from her mother's side, and the bangles are traditionally worn for a period after the wedding as a mark of a new bride.

Haldi the turmeric blessing

A blessing ceremony in which a paste of turmeric is dabbed onto the bride and groom by their loved ones. Turmeric is prized for its golden glow and its purifying, auspicious qualities, meant to bless the couple ahead of the wedding. It's playful and a little messy — don't be surprised if some yellow finds its way onto the guests too.

Sehrabandi the groom's veil

Just before the groom sets off, a sehra — a veil of flowers or beads — is tied across his face by his family, along with their blessings. It marks him out as the groom and signals that the procession is ready to begin.

Baraat the groom's procession

The groom's celebratory procession to the wedding venue, arriving in style amid dhol drums, music and plenty of dancing from his family and friends. It's loud, joyful and impossible to miss — the party quite literally arrives.

Milni the families meet

The moment the two families formally meet and welcome one another. Elders and close family exchange garlands and embraces for everyone, a symbolic first greeting between the two sides as they begin to become one.

Varmala the exchange of garlands

The bride and groom exchange flower garlands, placing them around each other's necks. It's the couple's first ritual together and a public sign of their acceptance of one another — usually met with cheers, laughter and a flurry of cameras.

Pheras / Saat Phere the wedding ceremony

The heart of the Hindu ceremony: the couple circle a sacred fire together, taking a series of vows with each round. The fire stands as a witness to their promises, and completing the circles marks them as married. It's the still, sacred centre of a joyful day.

The Pheras, step by step

This is the heart of the day and the longest of the ceremonies. Here is the order it follows, so you can follow along as it happens.

1. Eulogy, Prayers and Adoration of God An auspicious beginning
   Blessings are sought for a smooth, auspicious beginning.
2. Parivarik Aashirwad The families' blessing
   Both sets of parents place their hands over the couple's joined hands, blessing them as they enter marriage as equal partners. The parents then withdraw their hands, entrusting the couple to one another.
3. Hast Milap The joining of hands
   Hands joined, two journeys gently becoming one. The groom and bride take each other's hand and pledge to love and cherish one another for the rest of their lives.
4. Yajna The sacred fire ritual
   The couple invokes Agni, the God of fire, to witness their commitment to each other. Mango wood, samigri (crushed sandalwood and herbs) and ghee (clarified butter) are offered to the ceremonial fire.
5. Pheras Four circles around the fire
   The couple circles the holy fire four times. The four rounds signify the four fundamental purposes of life: Dharma, moral values and duties; Artha, wealth and prosperity; Kama, fulfilment of worldly desires; and Moksha, salvation.
6. Saptapadi The seven steps
   The bride and bridegroom take seven steps around the fire, sealing love, partnership and lifelong companionship.
7. The Vows Seven promises
   With the sacred fire and their families and friends as witnesses, they take seven vows:
   1. To love and respect each other.
   2. To share each other's joys and sorrows with courage and fortitude.
   3. To enrich each other's lives and build a loving home together.
   4. To nurture each other's dreams, support each other through every season of life, and grow together in love and wisdom.
   5. To conduct their lives in accordance with the principles of dharma, for the welfare of humanity.
   6. To look after and respect each other's families, values and traditions.
   7. To remain devoted to each other in a lifelong partnership for the promotion of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.
8. The Pagdi A turban passed on
   The groom's sister removes his pagdi (turban) and gives it to the bride's mother, a gesture of the two families becoming one.
9. Aashirwad Blessings
   The newly married couple takes blessings from the elders and loved ones for a joyful married life.