INTRODUCTION OF WEDDING RITUALS The Groom is then escorted to the mandap where supplications to God are offered to Lord Ganesh first and afterward a concise function happens to respect the man of the hour and purify the mandap under which the wedding service will occur. The Bride then makes her fabulous passageway and is escorted to the mandap by her maternal uncles or siblings in a service known as Kanya Agaman. A screen called the Antarpat is kept before the Groom differentiating him from the Bride.
The wedding begins as groom's family and friends are welcomed near the entrance. Groom will step on Saput (a clay pot) with his right foot, crushing it to demonstrate that he has the ability, strength determination to overcome all obstacles that the couple may face. Groom will then be accompanied to the mandap.
The priest begins with the worshipping of Lord Ganesh, who the priest will invite to join us on this prosperous day. Lord Ganesh dispels darkness removes any obstacles to the ceremony.
The Priest gives his consent for the wedding to proceed, by offering Bride's hand in marriage to Groom.
The cloth is removed & the couple exchange flower garlands acknowledging their decision to choose each other's as life partners.
The Bride's father gives his consent for the wedding to proceed, by offering Bride's hand in marriage to Groom.
The priest bestows a sacred thread made of hand woven cotton around the necks of the couple to symbolize the couple's bond, taking the vow of love, cherish & protect each other throughout their life together.
Groom & Bride's right hands are joined together to represent a union of souls.
Groom's uparnu (scarf) is then tied in a knot with Bride's chunari (sari) signifying a permanent union between the couple & the start of their journey as husband and wife.
The priest sets up the Agnikunda (sacred fire) which represents Lord Vishnu, symbolizing the illumination of mind, knowledge and happiness. Offerings are made to the fire whilst some prayers are said. The groom & bride then walk around their sacred fire four time to represent the essential duties in life.
Groom & Bride exchange their vows by taking seven steps together to promise:
1. To share their joys and sorrows
2. To nourish each other
3. To obey, respect and value each other as equals
4. To be faithful to one another
5. To be blessed with strong, healthy & happy children
6. To preserve their wealth
7. To be true companions and remain long-life partners
At the end of the marriage ceremony, Groom places sindhur (a red powder) along the parting in Bride's hair to wish a long life to her relationship with him, and places the mangalsutra (necklace) around Bride's neck as a sign of their marriage, commitment, love & devotion
Groom & Bride feed each other Indian Sweets to signify happiness & harmony and a "sweet" peaceful life together.
The newly weds are blessed from the priest.
The Bride's family bid farewell to the daughter who has now become a wife. At the end of the ceremony, the bride throws a fist of rice so that the house of her childhood remains prosperous and happy after she has left for her new home. She Leaves with tears of joy and sorrow, but carries the very best wishes of all who witnessed the matrimonial ceremony
A Family full of Love and Co-operation is Truly Heaven on Earth.
Be Good, Be Happy Be Kind.
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Ketul Joshi Maharaj on 12/03/2014 in presence of James Brokenshire MP (Minister of Immigration) and Bob Blackman MP (Harrow). NCGO,(UK) Mahendra Singh Jadeja in Recognition of your outstanding Contribution to Indian Community in The United Kingdom
