The Significance of Indian Traditional Wedding

More and more couples today are choosing for wedding that are more party and less rituals. Their view is that the rituals that have been a part of Indian weddings are for nothing and are of no use. However that is not the truth and every ritual that is carried out during a wedding have their own significance, whether symbolic or spiritual. Here are five of them that hold the most importance or let us say, made most important by wedding scenes in Bollywood flicks.

1. Kundali (Horoscope)
Matching of horoscopes of bride and bridegroom is what sets the ball rolling. In all arranged Indian weddings. The stars of boy the girl should match for the wedding to happen. Their horoscopes are matched on 8 accounts namely Varna, Vasya, Tara, Yoni, Gana, Nadi, Rashi Lord, and Bhakoot. All these aspects have different ratings and they total upto 36. A score of 19 is the minimum that should be attained to be qualified.

2. The Turmeric Anoinment
Both bride and bridegroom are anointed with paste of turmeric in their own houses. It is done on the day of marriage just before taking a bath. Turmeric is known to have medicinal values as a perfect skin conditioner. It open up the pores, cleanses the skin and gives it a shine and natural glow.

3. Walking Around The Sacred Fire
Fire in Indian marriages are considered to be holy witness to this event of joining of two souls in the holy matrimony. The bride and bridegroom walk around the fire seven times exchanging marriage vows.

4. The 'Saat Phere'
This is probably the most identifiable symbol of an Indian marriage. The seven steps taken around the fire which symbolize the seven vows affirming there mutual commitment at every rotation. These vows are regarding taking care of food and finance; taking care of household and children; mutual fidelity; wishing longevity and togetherness in all phases of life; truthfulness and abiding by the laws of Vedas.

5. The 'Mangalsutra”
Meaning the sacred thread. Mangalsutra is not just a piece of wedding jewellery, it holds a lot of importance and is supposed to be on the bride's neck at all times. It is a black and gold beaded necklace with a gold or diamond pendant. The bridegroom ties it around the neck during the ceremony. The Mangalsutra is believed to protect the bride from all evils.