Indian weddings are known for their grandeur, colors, and traditions. Weddings in India are not just a one-day event but a series of rituals over several days. These customs and traditions have been passed down through generations and significantly impact the lifestyle of people in India. Let us explore some of the customs and their impact.
Pre-Wedding Customs
Engagement: In India, an engagement ceremony formally announces the couple’s intent to get married. It is usually a small ceremony attended by close family members and friends. An engagement ceremony is significant for the couple and their families, marking the beginning of wedding preparations.
Haldi Ceremony: Haldi is a yellow turmeric paste that is considered to be auspicious in Indian weddings. The Haldi ceremony is a pre-wedding ritual where the bride and groom’s families apply the haldi paste on the bride and groom’s body. The Haldi ceremony is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Sangeet Ceremony: The Sangeet ceremony is a fun-filled event where the bride and groom’s families come together to celebrate the upcoming wedding. It is a musical event where people dance and sing traditional Indian songs. The Sangeet ceremony is an excellent way to break the ice between the two families and helps build a strong bond.
Wedding Day Customs
Baraat: The Baraat is the groom’s wedding procession, where the groom arrives on a decorated horse or elephant at the wedding venue. The Baraat is usually accompanied by music and dancing, and it is a grand entrance that sets the tone for the wedding ceremony.
Varmala Ceremony: The Varmala ceremony is where the bride and groom exchange flower garlands. It is a symbol of acceptance of each other as life partners.
Kanyadaan: Kanyadaan is a significant ceremony in Indian weddings where the bride’s father gives away his daughter to the groom. It is an emotional moment for the family and signifies the father’s blessings for the couple.
Post-Wedding Customs
Bidai: The Bidai ceremony is an emotional moment in Indian weddings where the bride says goodbye to her family and leaves with her husband. It is a bittersweet moment for the family and marks the beginning of a new chapter in the bride’s life.
Grihapravesh: Grihapravesh is a post-wedding ceremony where the bride enters her new home for the first time. It is an auspicious event believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the couple.
Impact on Lifestyle
Indian wedding customs have a significant impact on the lifestyle of people in India. Weddings are a big affair in India; people start planning for it months in advance. Weddings bring families and friends together, and they help in building strong relationships. The customs and traditions are a way to keep the Indian culture and heritage alive.
Indian weddings also have a significant impact on the economy. The wedding industry in India is worth billions of dollars, providing employment opportunities to thousands of people. From wedding planners to caterers, the wedding industry significantly contributes to the Indian economy.
