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​Kanya Daan

Kanya means bride and daan means giving away of her hand in marriage to the groom. Before Kanya daan is done the brides parents would honour the bride and wash her right toe, symbolising her to be the form of Goddess Laxmi (Goddess of wealth). Kanya daan ritual comprises of three steps.

• Varmala - A loop of cotton thread wound 24 times symbolising the different virtues of human life is placed around the couples shoulders. The thread binds them so they can fulfil their role as husband and wife, fully and sincerely.
  
• Cheda bandhan - (Tying the knot) A scarf is draped around the grooms shoulder and is tied to one end of the brides sari symbolising their union of souls as one.
  
• Hasta Melap - (Joining of the Hands) Scriptures say there is no greater gift than giving a daughters hand in marriage. Brides parents take their beloved daughters hand and place it on the grooms right hand. The couple promise to be together, to love, care and to be honest and faithful throughout their life. Now they would sit together as couple.
  

Agni Pooja  and Yagna

The priest sets up a small sacred fire in the centre of the mandap inviting Agni dev (God of fire) as the supreme witness to the marriage. The couple offer barley to Agni dev and in return be blessed with light, love, happiness and knowledge.

Mangal Phera

The couple now walks round the holy fire four times symbolising their journey together. Prior to each round the brides brothers place barley and sesame in couples hands to offer into the holy fire.The brothers wish the sister a long safe life filled with happiness and love. Distinctly, each round signifies one of four basic goals of human life according to the Vedas.

• Dharma - Duty and righteousness
  
• Artha - Prosperity and wealth
  
• Kama - Passion and energy in life
  
• Moksha - Liberation and bliss
  

Saptapadi - The seven vows

The couple walk seven steps together marking their walk of life together. Each step represent a sacred vow that the couple promise to each other and to God. This ritual symbolises food, strength, wealth, happiness, children, sustenance and unity.

Sindoor and Mangal sutra

The groom places the red vermillion powder in the bride's hair parting as a sign of endless love. He then gifts and welcomes her into his life by offering a gold and black beaded necklace. This is a symbol of their marriage and love to each other. 

Akhand Saubhagyawati and Kansar (Feeding each other)

Married ladies from both sides whisper blessings into the newly wedded bride's left ear. This are wishes for lifetime. Then

the couple feed each other four times for nourishment of bones, skin, muscles and soul. They promise to equally share everything in life together in sweetness.

Ashirvad (Blessings) and Viddai (Farewell)

Finally the couple touch Bhrahmin's feet and get blessings from elders for a happily married life and then leave for their home.

This is an emotional time for the bride and her parents. Family and friends wish the couple a successful married life.

       ​HINDU PRIEST SERVICES​

                 Vijesh Khetia

Hari Aum​