Looking for wedding traditions in India? We’ve gathered the complete guide for Indian wedding traditions – including how they celebrate, gifting etiquette, traditional clothing, food and drink, and more.
Weddings are filled with unique traditions and festivities. Add to the celebrations with a memorable gift experience or a thoughtful gift.
To help you explore Indian traditions, this article is organized into:
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Unique Indian Wedding Traditions
Indian weddings are a colorful and festive affair, with many unique traditions that make them special. Here are some of the most interesting Indian wedding traditions:
- Misri Ceremony: A few days before the wedding, the Misri ceremony involves the exchange of prayers, flower garlands, and gold rings between the soon-to-be newlyweds. The groom’s parents also bring gifts for the bride, including rock sugar (Misri), symbolizing sweetness in their married life
- Baraat: This is a ceremony in which the groom arrives at the wedding ceremony accompanied by his family and friends. The Baraat procession is often very festive, with music and dancing.
- Haldi Ceremony: The Haldi ceremony is a pre-wedding ritual in which the bride and groom are covered in turmeric paste. This paste is said to have many benefits, such as making the skin glow and improving circulation.
- Hasta Melap: Hasta melap is a ceremony in which the bride’s and groom’s hands are tied together. This symbolizes the couple’s union and their commitment to each other.
- Jai Mala: Jai mala is a ceremony where the bride and groom exchange flowery garlands. This is often done after the hasta melap ceremony.
- Kanya Aagaman: Kanya Aagaman is the ceremony in which the bride arrives at the wedding venue. The groom’s family welcomes her with flowers, and she is then escorted to the mandap, where the wedding ceremony will take place.
- Mandap: The mandap is a four-pillared canopy under which the couple is married. It is decorated with bright colors that often match the stunning outfits the couple selects.
Traditional Indian Wedding Attire
Indian brides tend to favor deep reds, vibrant yellows, and bold oranges. This is steeped in Hindu tradition, where the sari should be brightly colored and embellished with gold elements to symbolize commitment, spirituality, and fertility.
An Indian bride adhering to tradition will wear a 16-piece outfit that includes makeup, jewellery, and clothes. The most recognizable is the Mangtikka, a jewel worn on the forehead.
The groom traditionally wears a turban adorned with flowers to ward off bad spirits and special type of shoe called a juti.
How to Say “Best Wishes” in Hindi
To say “best wishes” in Hindi, you can say “शुभकामनाएँ!” (shubh kaamnaayein.) This phrase is often used to express good luck and success.
Need more wedding wishes? Here is our full article on Wedding Wishes in Other Languages.
Indian Wedding Gifting Etiquette
When giving gifts in India, it’s important to consider cultural etiquette:
Do’s in Gifting
- Bring gifts for both the bride and groom’s families, usually a token of appreciation such as sweets or clothing.
- Consider giving traditional gifts such as gold jewelry, saris, and bangles to the bride and groom.
- If you are attending a North Indian wedding, gifting jewelry to the groom’s family members is a special tradition.
- Consider electronic items, silverware, and decor as gifts for the couple.
- For guests, consider giving a box of sweets or a gift hamper as a traditional Indian wedding gift idea.
Don’ts in Gifting
- Don’t give sharp objects like knives or scissors, as they symbolize bad luck.
- Don’t be offended if your gift isn’t opened immediately. It’s considered polite to wait until after the celebration.
- Avoid giving gifts that are overly extravagant or expensive, as this may cause discomfort or embarrassment for the recipient (depending on your level of closeness).
The Aashirwad Ceremony
The Aashirwad Ceremony, a cherished tradition in Indian weddings, embodies the profound significance of familial bonds and cultural integration. In this ritual, the groom’s parents play a pivotal role by showering blessings upon the bride, marking the commencement of a lifelong journey together as a unified family unit.
Through the Aashirwad Ceremony, the bride is welcomed into her new family with love, acceptance, and the collective hopes and aspirations of both lineages, creating a foundation of strength and unity for the future.
Ghudchadi
The Ghudchadi ceremony in Indian weddings sees the groom riding a decorated horse to the venue. This signifies his readiness for marriage and acceptance of responsibilities. It’s a vibrant spectacle filled with music and cheers, symbolizing his transition to married life amidst joyful celebrations.
Reception Feast
The Reception Feast at Indian weddings is a grand affair, featuring a buffet-style menu with appetizers, main entrees, rice, naan, yogurt, and an array of Indian sweets and desserts. It’s a delightful celebration of flavors and hospitality, bringing together loved ones to share in the joy of the newlyweds’ union.
Professional Photographer
Booking a professional photographer for your wedding guarantees that each cherished tradition is meticulously documented, capturing the essence of your special day with exceptional quality. These images become timeless treasures, preserving the memories and emotions of your wedding for years to come, ensuring that every meaningful moment is beautifully preserved to be revisited and cherished for a lifetime.
Conclusion
Celebrating weddings in India goes beyond vows and rings. It’s a time to honor love, cherish family, and embrace timeless traditions.
Weddings are imbued with cultural richness and meaningful rituals. Enhance the festivities with an unforgettable gift experience or a thoughtful gift. So, here’s to a traditional way of celebrating weddings!
Sophie is an etiquette coach who has the rare ability to make the intricacies of etiquette approachable and fun. She travels around the world coaching families, individuals, corporates and independent schools. Sophie has honed her craft without losing her easy-going charm.