GUJRATI WEDDING RITUALS * Antarpaat * The Gujarati custom entails that the bride's maternal uncle (mama) carries the bride to the mandap. There, the curtain known as Antarpaat separates the bride and groom is lowered and the couple put garlands in each other's necks.

GUJRATI WEDDING RITUALS * Antarpaat * The Gujarati custom entails that the bride's maternal uncle (mama) carries the bride to the mandap. There, the curtain known as Antarpaat separates the bride and groom is lowered and the couple put garlands in each other's necks.

GUJRATI WEDDING RITUALS * Madhuparka * Madhuparka takes place after the ritual Jaimala ceremony. The ritual involves washing of the groom's feet while sitting under the Mandap. He is then offered milk and honey. Following this is the most interesting custom, wherein the groom's sisters-in-law steal his shoes and hide away. The groom has to get back his shoes at the end of the day and for this he has to offer them a sum of money which is agreeable to them.

GUJRATI WEDDING RITUALS * Hasta Milap * In this ritual, the groom's scarf or shawl is tied to the bride's sari. This knot and the joined hands of the couple symbolize the union of two souls joined together in holy matrimony. The acharya chants mantras to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Parvati for the saubhagyavrata or wife. The family and relatives present also come together to bless the couple and shower grains of rice and rose petals on them.

GUJRATI WEDDING RITUALS * Kanya Daan * The wedding rituals are performed in front of a sacred fire and conducted by the acharya. The rituals begin with the kanya daan where in the bride is given away by her parents. As a ritual bride's parents abstain from eating to make themselves pure in body and mind for the occasion. Their folded hands during Kanya daan ceremony reflect the hope that their son-in-law will take good care of their daughter and never cause her pain. They wash his feet, as they believe that he is none other than the Lord Vishnu, to whom they are handing, over his rightful consort, the Goddess Laxmi in the form of their daughter.

GUJRATI WEDDING RITUALS * Promise * Their folded hands during Kanya daan ceremony reflect the hope that their son-in-law will take good care of their daughter and never cause her pain. They wash his feet, as they believe that he is none other than the Lord Vishnu, to whom they are handing, over his rightful consort, the Goddess Laxmi in the form of their daughter.

GUJRATI WEDDING RITUALS * Pheras * In this, the couple goes around the sacred fire as the acharya chants mantras. The groom also recites mantras, which express his heart's desire, and seeks the loving support of his wife.

GUJRATI WEDDING RITUALS * Saptapadi * The Saptapadi or seven steps is another important ritual of the Gujarati wedding ceremony. The couple must go around the holy fire seven times. The groom chants mantras with each step. These are requests to his wife take good care of the house, cook wholesome and healthy meals for their family, be thrifty with money, be an understanding and supporting partner to him, etc. The bride promises to fulfill these requests.

GUJRATI WEDDING RITUALS * Reception * The reception is usually held immediately after the wedding. It is an opportunity for relatives, friends and well wishers to bless the newly weds, enjoy a sumptuous meal with them and give them gifts.

GUJRATI WEDDING RITUALS * Vidaai * In the Vidaai ceremony, the bride departs from her parental house and bids goodbye to her parents, friends and relatives. She throws puffed rice over her head. Thereafter, she boards a beautifully decorated car and heads her way towards her new home. Usually, the girl’s brother accompanies her.

GUJRATI WEDDING RITUALS * Ghar Nu Laxmi * The bride's first step into her new home is considered auspicious. She is the "ghar nu laxmi" or the Goddess Lakshmi who will bring wealth and good fortune to her home. The mother-in-law places a vessel filled to the brim with rice, at the entrance of the house. The bride must knock the vessel down gently with her right foot, spilling some of the rice over. The rice is a symbol of wealth and by following the ritual she conveys her full understanding of her duties and responsibilities towards her new home.

GUJRATI WEDDING RITUALS * Aeki-Beki * Yet another interesting ritual observed at the groom's house. The newly wed couple is made to play a game called "Aeki-beki". In this, several coins and a ring are placed in a tray of water covered by milk and vermilion. It is believed that the person, who finds the ring four times first, would be the ruler of the house.