Baraat – the groom’s procession

Sean arrives at the wedding ceremony via a celebratory procession, escorted by his baraat – a group of his family and friends.

Milni – the meeting of the families

Sean’s family and friends are welcomed by Sarah’s family and friends. The mother of the bride invokes blessings and escorts Sean to the Mandap, the sacred alter under which the ceremony takes place.

Vivaah Sankalpa – the wedding ceremony alter

The four pillars of the Mandap represent Sean and Sarah’s parents, and the vital roles that they have played while raising them.

Ganesh Puja – a prayer to Lord Ganesh

The priest chants a prayer to the Lord Ganesh, who removes all obstacles and whose presence assures an auspicious beginning.

Kanya Agaman – the arrival of the bride

Sarah’s father escorts her to the Mandap while an antarpat, or curtain, is placed separating her from Sean. The ceremony begins when Sarah reaches the Mandap and the antarpat is lowered.

Jaimala – the exchange of garlands

Sean and Sarah greet each other by exchanging jaimalas, or garlands, offered to them by family. The exchange signifies their formal acceptance of each other as life partners.

Vivah Hawaan – lighting of the sacred fire

Sean and Sarah make offerings to Agni, the sacred fire, affirming their vows and commitments. Angi is the mouth of Lord Vishnu and symbolizes the illumination of mind, knowledge, and happiness, as well as the presence of god at the ceremony.

Kanya Daan – giving away the bride

The prime wealth of a Hindu household is Kanya, the daughter, who symbolizes Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth. In Vedic scriptures, it is said there is no danna (gift) greater than Kanya Daan, a daughter’s hand in marriage. Sarah’s parents will place Sarah’s hands into Sean’s hands and pour holy water over them while requesting Sean accept Sarah as an equal partner in all walks of life.

Gati Bandhan – tying of the nuptial knot

Sean and Sarah’s scarves are tied together by the priest, symbolizing their everlasting union.

Mangal Phera – circling the sacred fire

The priest will chant prayers as the couple performs four pheras, or circles around the sacred fire. With these pheras, Sean and Sarah vow to follow the four holy principles of life:
1. Dharma – the obligation to live a moral life
2. Artha – the duty to prosper with honor and support each other in martial life
3. Karma – the fulfillment of worldly duties
4. Moksha – the liberation of the soul for eternity through enlightenment
For each round, NAME brother, Salas, provides her with puffed rice for the offering to Agni.

Saptapdi – the seven steps

Sean and Sarah together take sath paadi, which literally translates to ‘seven steps’. These steps symbolize the beginning of their journey trough life and reflect their prayers and vows to:
1. Provide for their households and prosper through righteousness and proper means
2. Create a home full of joy and laughter, where they find serenity and peace
3. Develop their physical, mental, and spiritual strength
4. Acquire happiness and harmony through mutual love, respect, and trust
5. Embrace each other’s family as well as their own children, yet to come
6. Practice self restraint and pray to share a long and healthy life together
7. Share eternal love and remain lifelong partners
Sean and Sarah are now united as Dampati, husband and wife, and will pray for blessings from god.

Sindhoor Daan / Mangalsutra – the symbols of marriage

Sean and Sarah exchange rings as symbols of their commitment and devotion to each other. Sean applies sindhoor, red vermillion powder, on Sarah’s forehead where her hair is parted, signifying her status as a married woman. Sean also ties a mangalasutra, or necklace, around Sarah’s neck to symbolize that he will keep her safe and secure.

Madhupak – nourishing the relationship

Sarah offers Sean Madhupak, a mixture of honey, yogurt, milk, sugar, and ghee (butter). Madhupak represents the nourishment derived from mother earth. As Sean takes a sip, he makes a commitment that he will be as sweet as honey in all his actions and words.

Akhandasaubhagyavati – words of wisdom

Five married women wish Sarah a long married life with Sean, and whispers a few words of wisdom in her ear.

Aashirwaad – showers of blessings

The priest offers his final blessings to Sean and Sarah. Their parents also bless them with wishes for everlasting happiness and a prosperous married life.

Shanti Path – a prayer of peace

May peace reign in heaven, on earth, and in our lives.