Weddings
traditional ceremonies
Hasta milap
The right hand of the groom and the left hand of the bride are bound together with a cotton thread. Bound many times so the thread won't break. One thread is easy to break but many strings are strong and won't break. Symbolizes the bride and groom coming together with an unbreakable bound.
Agni
Bride and groom are seated in front of a holy fire. The fire is a purifier and sustainer of life in Hinduism. The couple walk around the fire four times. This represents the four ashrams (studentship, householder, retirement, and self-relization). The ritual as a part of Agni is saptapadi. The bride and groom say seven more vows to in Sanskrit to seal the marriage forever. After the vows are said the family throws offerings into the fire
Agni rituals
The vows
The couple are lighting the fire as they take the vows
Fire
Fire is the purifier and sustainer
Offerings
The family throws offerings into the fire to celebrate
Works cited
" Hindu Wedding Traditions ."WeddingChannel.com - Wedding Planning - Wedding Websites - Wedding Registry - Wedding Reviews . N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://weddings.weddingchannel.com/wedding-planning-ideas/wedding-ceremony-ideas/articles/hindu-wedding-traditions.aspx?MsdVisit=1>.