| The Gujarati weddings are full of splendor and fun. As | | | | The final step before the couple is fully married is |
| most of the Gujarati population indulge in business | | | | called Saptapadi. This is very significant ritual. This is |
| rather than employment, they are financially well off | | | | performed in the north India by walking around the |
| and hence money is never a problem at such | | | | sacred fire. In case of Gujarati and some other |
| weddings. A function like a wedding also serves as a | | | | communities, the priest places 7 small heaps of rice on |
| rapport development exercise between customers | | | | the floor. The bride and the groom take 7 vows |
| and vendors. | | | | together as the bride places the here thumb on each |
| The following rituals are performed in a guajarati | | | | of the small heaps of rice. In case of Gujarati , the |
| marriage. Let us first have look at the pre marriage | | | | couple also takes 4 mangal pheras, which represent |
| rituals. | | | | "Dharma", "Artha", "Kama" and "Moksha". |
| First among the pre marriage rituals is the Mandap | | | | Now the couple is married and is now man and wife in |
| Mahurat. | | | | full view of the entire guest present. The couple then |
| Here the families of both the bride and groom in their | | | | seeks the blessing of the all the elderly guest present |
| respective homes and the groom seek the blessings | | | | for their long happy married life. |
| of the lord Ganesha. The house is full of relatives at | | | | All these rituals are over by the mid of after noon. The |
| such times and every one enjoys the wedding. Such a | | | | bride and the groom go to their respective homes if |
| pooja is performed a few days before the actual | | | | they are nearby and now the post marriage |
| marriage and is performed by a priest. | | | | ceremony takes place. |
| Graha shanti is performed by the all the relatives who | | | | The Reception takes in full splendor. One of the best |
| have gathered in the house to attend the wedding. | | | | halls is selected. The bride and groom are seated at |
| The priest decides an auspicious time for the pooja | | | | and decorated seat on the dais. They are visible to |
| and the entire family performs this pooja at such times. | | | | each of the guest who arrives at the reception. The |
| Jaan is an interesting ritual performed at the bride's | | | | guest meets the couple one at a time and exchange |
| residence. The grooms, along with his family arrive at | | | | greeting and gifts with them. This goes on till all the |
| the bride's residence and seek the blessing of the in | | | | guest has been attended by the bride and the groom. |
| laws. | | | | The guests then have their dinner and so do the bride |
| Now its wedding time. | | | | and the groom. |
| The bride and groom arrive at the wedding location in | | | | Now the reception is over, it is time for the bride to |
| their own decorated vehicles. Both the bride and the | | | | leave the fathers house to be with her newly wed |
| groom change to the wedding attire and come on the | | | | husband. Here we have the Vidaai ceremony in which |
| common dais. Here the first function to be performed | | | | the bride gives a tearful farewell to her family. |
| is the Kanya Daan. The bride's father lays trust on the | | | | Now one last ceremony before the couple start their |
| groom that his daughter will the well taken care of. As | | | | married life. |
| per the rituals, the brides are considered the Goddess | | | | This is called the Ghar ni Laxmi. The bride is |
| Laxmi and groom is considered Lord Narayana. The | | | | considered as Laxmi of the house and is welcomed to |
| father of the brides takes her hand and places it on | | | | the groom's house. A bride pushes down and vessel |
| the hand of the groom. All these are performed | | | | filled with rice. All the grooms' family gather around the |
| before the sacred fire. | | | | couple and then they play some games. These are |
| Hasta Milap is a step further to Kanya Daan. The | | | | fun games which are intended to help the bride mix |
| grooms scarf and the bride's sari are tied in a knot | | | | with the groom's family members. |
| which signifies their union before the entire guest, who | | | | After some of the games, the bride and groom are |
| are present on the occasion. This is done by the priest | | | | left together to start their married life. |
| who performs a pooja along side the sacred fire. | | | | We wish them both a long happy married life. |