Before the wedding
- Rokaरोका
- The families formally accept the match and 'stop' looking for other proposals. Often a small gathering with gifts, sweets and blessings, sometimes followed later by a sagai (ring ceremony).
- Haldiहल्दी
- Family members apply a turmeric paste to the bride and groom, usually at their own homes, for blessings and a glow before the wedding.
- Mehndiमेहंदी
- Henna is applied to the bride's hands and feet, often with the groom's name hidden in the design, while family sing and dance.
- Sangeetसंगीत
- An evening of music and dance. In many families both sides prepare performances for each other.
The wedding day
- Baraatबारात
- The groom's procession to the venue with family and friends dancing to dhol or a band. In many North Indian families he arrives on a decorated horse.
- Milniमिलनी
- Relatives of the two families greet each other in pairs at the entrance, often exchanging garlands and gifts.
- Jaimala / Varmalaजयमाला
- The bride and groom exchange flower garlands, accepting each other in front of their guests.
- Kanyadaanकन्यादान
- The bride's parents place her hand in the groom's and entrust her to him, one of the most emotional moments of the ceremony.
- Mangal Pheras / Saat Phereसात फेरे
- The couple circles the sacred fire (agni) as the priest chants mantras, making vows for their life together. Many families take seven pheras; in some traditions there are four pheras followed by the saptapadi, seven steps taken together.
- Sindoor & Mangalsutraसिंदूर / मंगलसूत्र
- The groom applies sindoor (vermilion) to the parting of the bride's hair and ties the mangalsutra, a sacred necklace, around her neck as signs of marriage.
After the ceremony
- Vidaaiविदाई
- The bride's farewell to her family as she leaves with the groom. She often throws handfuls of rice over her shoulder, wishing prosperity on her parents' home.
- Griha Praveshगृह प्रवेश
- The bride's first entry into her new home, where she is welcomed with an aarti and often gently tips over a pot of rice with her right foot before stepping inside.
- Reception
- A dinner celebration, often hosted by the groom's family, to welcome the couple. Usually the largest guest list of the week.
Frequently asked questions
What is the order of a Hindu wedding?
Many families follow roughly this order: roka, haldi, mehndi, sangeet, then on the wedding day the baraat, milni, jaimala, kanyadaan, pheras, sindoor and mangalsutra, vidaai and griha pravesh, with a reception the same evening or soon after. The exact rituals vary by region and community.
Are there always seven pheras?
Not always. Many North Indian families take seven pheras around the fire, while some communities take four pheras and then the saptapadi, seven steps together. Your pandit ji will follow your family's tradition.
Which Hindu wedding functions need an invitation?
Most families send one invitation that lists the haldi, mehndi, sangeet, wedding and reception, and let guests RSVP to the ones they're invited to. The roka is usually arranged with close family by phone.
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