Engagement Party Ceremony
The engagement party is often an intimate one with close relatives and friends from both the bride and groom's sides.
It is regarded as one of the most important pre-wedding ceremonies, not only in Hindu marriages but in other religions as well.
This occasion typically occurs a few months before to the nuptials. The fathers make a formal engagement of the couple and forthcoming wedding.
In order to formalise their engagement, the bride and groom then exchange rings.
Mehndi (Henna Party)
Indian weddings typically include the enjoyable mehendi rite, which is traditional hosted at the home of a Hindu bride by her family.
It takes place a few days before the wedding and is attended by the friends and family.
The bride's hands and feet have intricate designs applied to them with henna.
Sangeet
The Sangeet is all about dancing, music and celebration. Of all the Hindu wedding rituals and ceremonies, the sangeet ceremony is the most enjoyable one.
Haldi (Turmeric Ceremony)
In this ceremony a paste of haldi / turmeric is applied on the bride and the groom's body before their wedding day. The mandvo and pithi ceremony are held one after another.
Haldi ceremony is connected with purification and beautifying the bride and the groom. To give skin a glow before the wedding ceremony
Ganesh Puja or Pooja (Worshipping Lord Ganesh)
It is an Indian wedding tradition to worship Lord Ganesh before auspicious occasions. Hindu ceremonies begin with an invocation to Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom and salvation.
This puja (prayer) is performed mainly for good luck. Lord Ganesh is believed to be the destroyer of obstacles and evils.
The bride and her parents are a part of this Puja ceremony. The priest guides them to offer sweets and flowers to the deity. The ceremony prepares the couple for a new beginning.
Ganesh Puja ceremony is mainly performed in Hindu families. It is held a day before the wedding to bless the proceedings.
Traditional Indian weddings are incomplete without Ganesh Puja.