Now the festivities during the actual wedding ceremony will be described.

The groom wears a special turban called sehra (सेहरा). Fixed within the center of the turban is a gem studded oranament called a kalgi (कलगी). Sometimes a turra (तुर्रा) is also fitted to the turban. Flowers are also placed on the turban as well. The turra (तुर्रा) is a tassel fitted to the turban. The siisa (सीस) or the groom rides an elephant to the venue of the wedding. Before he leaves, tilaka (तिलक) is applied to his forehead. Tilaka (तिलक) is a decorative powder. When he nears the venue, songs of welcome are sung to the groom. The groom knocks on the door of the venue with his sword.

The groom is led to a small stage and a male relative of the bride leads the bride to the stage as well. A ceremony of maalaa (माला) or garlands is held between the bride and groom. The dulhan (दुलहन) or the bride and the siisa (सीस) or the groom exchange garlands. The exchanging of garlands show that they consent to the marriage. While the bride and groom exchange garlands, the priest officiating the ceremony chants blessings for the couple. Then the bride’s mother pokes and measures the groom’s chest to see whether the groom can protect her daughter. This part is a source of comic relief for the wedding.

In addition, there’s also the ceremony of the Kannyaa (कन्या) Daan (दान). Kannyaa (कन्या) means girl and Daan (दान) means donation. This ceremony can be translated as “giving the daughter away” by the father. The father of the bride pours sacred water, symbolizing his consent to giving his daughter to the groom. The groom recites Vedic (वैदिक) verses and promises to help the bride achieve three things. These three things must be promised in order for the father to give away his daughter. These three things are: 1) dharma (धर्म) duty 2) artha (अर्थ) material gain 3) kama (काम) fulfillment of pleasure.

Lastly, there’s the ceremony of the Satapadi (सप्तपदी) or the seven steps. The couple prays for seven things: 1) plentiful harvest 2) healthy and peaceful life 3) spiritual strength 4) happy life 5) children 6) long life 7) peace of universe. Then the couple performs the bhaavar (भाँवर) which is a ceremonical walk around a sacred fire seven times. I guess this would be equivalent to the taking of the vows in many Western marriage ceremonies. When this ceremony is completed, the couple are officially married. The priest and the bride and groom’s family serve as witnesses to the marriage.

Next up is the last part of a traditional Hindu wedding.