Hindu weddings

Now we will dicuss about different traditions in different religions. Different faiths have different and fascinating wedding traditions. From preparation beforehand to what to wear at the ceremony, this perfect planner outlines the wedding rituals of the main religious strands, helping you to plan your wedding and to know what to expect.

So today we are starting with traditional Hindu wedding.

The Hindu marriage usually takes place in the bride’s place or city. Traditionally, all it is organised and paid for by the bride’s parents. The bride is known as the Dulhan, the groom as the Dulha.

• A Hindu wedding is a religious ceremony and one of the most important of the sixteen Hindu sanskars or sacraments. It is seen, not only as the bond between two people, but also the bond between two families.

• The ceremony lasts a minimum of one-and-a-half-hours, but the preparations and celebrations begin weeks before the actual ceremony and continue afterward.

• The Hindu service is performed by a male Brahmin priest in accordance with the holy verses (mantras) from the Vedas -- the Hindu holy book.

• The ceremony takes place in a venue chosen by the bride’s family. This is normally a town hall or community hall, or a hotel, depending on the budget of the bride’s family. There are then blessings in the temple after the service.

• The Hindu wedding ceremony is not recognised by British law. It is therefore also necessary to marry in a civil register office and follow this with a Hindu ceremony.

• A Traditional wedding invitation is sent to all relatives & friends.
  

Planning the Hindu wedding

• Astrological charts are consulted to choose a day for the wedding that’s considered auspicious. Some days are not permitted for weddings: the Hindu calendar is lunar based, and has a day in each month called Amas, for instance, when it is forbidden to marry. It is also impossible to marry during Shraaddh, a two-week period during September, and 15 days before the festival of Holi. These periods are considered as unlucky for marriage. In each case the Hindu calendar must be consulted, as these dates change each year.

• The couple usually meet the Brahmin prior to the ceremony. This is so the priest can explain the significance of the ceremony and answer any questions the bride and groom might have.