India is known for its rich cultural heritage and diversity. Likewise, Indian weddings draw a lot of attention by virtue of being a long lasting lavish affair. Stated below are some fun facts about Indian 'Hindu' weddings, the most elaborate of all Indian weddings:
1. Indian Hindu weddings can take place only on the days that are declared auspicious according to the astrologers. The families are required to consult with the priest, in order to determine the best date for the wedding ceremony.
2. In most Hindu families, it is important to determine the horoscope compatibility of the bride and the groom, before they can actually tie the knot. The families want to know whether the two people getting into matrimony will have a harmonious and long lasting marriage. The horoscopes also supposedly forecast if there is any possibility that the groom's stars jeopardize the life of the bride in the course of marriage, or vice versa.
3. An Indian Hindu wedding is a long affair. The wedding can take place days or months after the actual engagement, or ring ceremony, that takes place in the presence of all important family members.
4. Before the wedding, numerous other ceremonies and events can be observed by the Indian families, according to their social and financial status. In a lavish affair, the 'mehendi' or henna evening and bridal shower precede the wedding ceremony.
5. The traditional 'mehendi' event is held at the bride's place, where all the female relatives and friends of the bride team up to paint her hands with mehendi or henna. They make beautiful designs on the bride's hands and feet, and often include the groom's name in their art.
6. Since most Indian weddings take place overnight, and the rituals last for hours, the entire day of the wedding is spent in beautifying the bride and the groom. Turmeric paste, which has herbal healing and cleansing properties according to Ayurveda, is rubbed all over the bodies of the couple. Turmeric lightens the skin and brings a golden glow to it. These efforts are essential as the Indian people are always expected to look their very best and most radiant during their wedding.
7. Both the bride and the groom are not allowed to meet each other or even leave the house after the turmeric application ritual.
8. The family of the groom arrives at the bride's house, amidst a blaze of dancing and singing. The procession, which is called the 'Baraat', is welcomed lavishly by the bride's family with gifts flowers and garlands.
9. The wedding takes place in two parts. The onstage event pertains with the bride and the groom exchanging garlands in front of friends and families. This event is followed by a reception and photo sessions. Later, after dinner, the families go ahead to perform the actual ceremony, where the groom and the bride walk around the fire seven times, and each round corresponds to a marriage vow, which they promise to abide by.
10. Towards the end of the ceremony, the groom sprinkles 'Sindoor', which is a red holy powder, in the bride's hair parting. Being a symbol of marriage, the 'Sindoor' is supposed to adorn the bride's head as long as she remains married.
