Wedding
- Antarpat is a silk shawl used to separate the bride and the groom. The maternal uncle of the bride brings her to the dias, where the mangalashtakas are recited.
- At the Mandap a silk partition is created to separate the Bride and Groom. It is said that Bride and Groom should not look at each other as it brings bad luck.
- Now the priest recites Mantras, and the antarpat (silk veil) dividing the Bride and Groom is removed for the couple to see each other.
- Then the shawl is removed and the couple sees each other for the first time and exchange garlands.
- At this moment they are showered with unbroken rice(akshat). This is meant to bring luck to the newly weds.
- After this, the couple asks their parents for permission to get married. This is called the Sankalp ceremony.
- After this, the bride's parents perform the Kanyadaan ritual, wherein they offer their daughter to the groom.
- After Kanyadaan, the groom ties mangalsutra around bride's neck and applies vermillion in her hair parting. She in return applies a sandalwood tilak on his forehead.
- Next is the Vivah Homa, which is conducted by the groom in assistance with the priest.
- Following this is the Saptapadhi ritual, wherein the couple takes seven rounds around the sacred fire, taking seven vows.
- The wedding ceremony comes to an end with the Karmasampati ritual, wherein the bride's father, the bride and the groom please Gods to bless the wedlock.