Indian wedding traditions are filled with tradition, rituals, commitment, and love. Both Hindu and Sikh weddings combine these four incredible elements to make Indian wedding traditions so unique and meaningful. The rituals and traditions truly connect the couple to their culture and ancestors. From the attire that the bride and groom wear, to the traditional parties thrown both pre- and post-wedding, here are a few of our favorite Indian wedding traditions.
Save The Holy Date
Nothing is by chance when it comes to Indian wedding traditions and rituals. Everything has a purpose and is meaningful to the bride, groom and their families. In Hindu culture, picking a wedding date has nothing to do with the seasons or the actual date. Couples look to their zodiac signs to help them settle on the luckiest time to get married which is known as muhurta. It is essential to include astrology to ensure a prosperous marriage.
‘Something Red’ Wedding Attire
Unlike the white wedding gown of Western weddings, Indian brides wear red saris adorned with gold embroidery. The significance of the color combination symbolizes commitment, fertility, and spirituality. Additionally, brides also apply kumkum powder which is red in color to their forehead for luck.
Indian Wedding Traditions are Full of Joy
Indian weddings are always celebrated with song, dance and loads of joy. This not only takes place at the wedding reception, but also before the wedding. A sanjeet is one of the most significant pre-parties in Indian wedding traditions. The bride’s family sings a folk song to welcome the groom into their family.
Mehndi Party
Organized by the bride-to-be, a mehndi (or Mehendi or henna) party is a pre-wedding ritual celebrated in Hindu and Sikh culture (as well as Muslim weddings). This party usually takes place a day or two before the wedding and includes all the women in the bride and groom’s families and close friends. At this pre-wedding celebration, everyone in attendance gathers together while the bride is painted on her hands and feet with stunning henna designs.
The Haldi Ceremony
In Western culture, it is bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony. But in Indian weddings, the bride and groom have a Haldi Ceremony where they paste turmeric paste onto themselves. The yellow paste is wards off evil, has healing properties and brings good luck. It is the perfect way to start the wedding day.
The Indian Wedding Tradition of Tying The Knot
Towards the end of Hindi ceremony, the couple literally ties the knot when the groom ties a mangalsutra around the bride’s neck. This sacred thread is made of red, white and black beads that are strung together with yellow or black string. The Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity and fortune, Lakshmi, is invoked in the mangalsutra. The mangalsutra not only distinguishes the bride as a married woman but also blesses her marriage as she wears it.