Indian weddings are vibrant celebrations steeped in rich traditions that have been lovingly passed down through generations. More than just the union of two people, these events are deeply rooted in culture and spirituality, bringing together not only the couple but also their families, communities, and shared histories. Every detail, from symbolic rituals to joyful gatherings, reflects centuries of meaning and cultural pride.
Whether you're planning an Indian wedding or attending one for the first time, understanding Indian wedding customs can help you appreciate the depth and beauty behind each moment. These customs are heartfelt expressions of love, heritage, and connection. Read on to explore the sacred traditions that make Indian weddings so unforgettable, and uncover the stories that give them life.
Weddings & Their Importance in Indian Culture
Weddings and marriage are considered significant in Indian culture for several reasons. First, Indian people believe that marriage lasts beyond death.
Hinduism views marriage as a bond made in heaven and on earth, and it is expected to last for seven lifetimes. Such a commitment makes Indian weddings a major life event.
Moreover, Indian couples view marriage as the beginning of the second stage of their life (Grihastha ashram). This adds spiritual meaning to the rite, as shown in many of the customs done during Indian weddings.
10 Traditional Indian Wedding Rituals & What They Mean
While Western weddings are often celebrated in just one day, many Indian weddings are held for three days. Other Indian couples marry within five days.
Regardless of the length, an Indian wedding involves a series of important rituals. Each custom holds a distinct spiritual and cultural meaning, serving as a symbolic rite to celebrate a couple’s union.
If you've been asking, “What are some Indian wedding traditions done by Indian to-be-weds?” we've listed them below.
1. Lagna Patrika
Through this Indian wedding tradition, a couple gets engaged and announces their marriage. They tell everyone they're marrying on their chosen date in writing, which is set at the engagement ceremony. A Hindu priest (pandit) records everything about the marriage ceremony, including the names of all family members participating in it.
The lagna patrika is held months before the couple’s special day(s).
2. Roka
This post-engagement ceremony celebrates the union of the newly engaged couple and their families. Both families gather, exchange gifts, enjoy sweets, and bond with each other.
3. Haldi Ceremony
Often done on an Indian couple’s exact wedding day or the day before, this intimate celebration has relatives and friends applying turmeric paste and rose water to the couple.
Haldi translates to turmeric in English. It’s an extremely healing spice that’s used for cleansing before an Indian wedding. People at the haldi ceremony smear turmeric paste on different areas of the body, so evil spirits can’t come near or possess the couple. Plus, it’s said that the paste can give the to-be-weds glowing skin and good luck.
Alternatively, several families rub chandan or sandalwood powder mixed with rose water on the bride’s face and hands. They also throw flowers at the couple.
4. Mehndi (Mehendi)
Many couples have done this Indian wedding custom to celebrate their union. It combines dance and intricate designs painted on the hands and, sometimes, feet.
The bride’s parents throw a mehndi party with choreographed dances to entertain those getting henna on their hands. A different color palette is used for this event, primarily featuring bright colors like oranges and pinks.
It’s said that a mehndi party brings the bride good luck and good health. Additionally, it’s like a bridal luncheon where the women dearest to the bride meet, share advice, reminisce, and bond. While mehndi rites are typically exclusive to female family members, men can join in after the bride has received her henna. Some grooms also have henna painted on their hands.
Henna’s Significance in Mehndi Ceremonies
Some of henna’s notable attributes help control body temperature. When it’s applied to the bride’s hands and feet, it’s supposed to ease stress and headaches.
Furthermore, darker henna designs on the bride or groom’s skin mean that their in-laws and spouse will love them even more. To-be-weds can even be excused from chores if their hands still have henna stains. These marks can last for up to three weeks.
5. Sangeet
The name of the next custom on our list of Indian wedding rituals means “sung together” in Hindi. Couples start celebrating their union at a sangeet ceremony or garba, savoring the joy it brings.
The sangeet has loved ones dancing and singing Hindu wedding songs. It symbolizes the union of the couple’s families and serves as their break from the stress of wedding preparations. And, more importantly, this ceremony helps both families learn more about each other.
6. Baraat (Vara Yatra)
Hindu weddings also have the baraat, where singing and dancing accompany the groom’s arrival at the wedding venue. His family and friends come along as well. The families of the couple meet at this event, with joyful music, drummers, and dancing in the background.
To go to the wedding venue, the groom rides on a horse, elephant, or high-end sports car. The bride’s family greets the groom and his companions once they’ve arrived, with the wedding ceremony starting afterward.
7. Kanyadaan
In kanyadaan (“giving away the bride”), the bride’s family puts her right hand in the groom’s right hand. Sacred water is poured over both hands, signifying that the couple should marry as equal partners and mix as husband and wife.
A ritual called hasta milap follows kanyadaan. During this part of the wedding ceremony, the bride’s parents bind the couple’s right hands with a cloth. The gesture shows the newlyweds’ strong bond.
8. Mangalsutra & Sindoor
The groom puts the mangalsutra, a sacred black-and-gold necklace, on the bride. It represents dignity and symbolizes the couple’s vow to stay together.
The necklace is believed to ward off evil spirits, and newly married Indian women can even wear it to express their unique style. Beyond that, the mangalsutra tells everyone its wearer is married. The bride can only take the necklace off if or when she becomes widowed.
Similarly, sindoor, a red or orange-red powder applied to the middle part of the bride’s hair, signifies her status as a married woman. Some grooms spread this powder across the entire hairline or put it as a dot on the bride’s forehead. These depend on the location of the families and the bride’s desire.
9. Saptapadi
In saptapadi, the couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire, known as “saath phera” or “saptapadi.” These steps are their wedding vows, with each vow and step symbolizing a stage that the married couple will face.
Hindu or Vedic rituals include the vows made during saptapadi, which are considered extremely important. Moreover, such promises bless the couple’s union.
Saptapadi is the most significant portion of an Indian wedding. Each step taken by the couple symbolizes seven different prayers, namely:
- Food
- Strength
- Prosperity
- Family
- Offspring
- Health
- Friendship
Once the couple takes the final step, they're considered married.
10. The Reception
Just like weddings in countries such as the U.S., North Indian weddings end with a reception. This event celebrates the newlyweds, featuring fancy decorations and delicious food. (Tip: If you want more of a dish served at a North Indian reception, try finding local restaurants that offer it online.)
Furthermore, the wedding reception is where family and friends greet and celebrate with the couple.
Indian Weddings: More Than a Celebration of Love
Indian wedding customs aren’t merely done to show how grand a special celebration can be. Couples and their families express timeless values, including love and loyalty, through these rituals.
Each Indian wedding tradition holds a deep-rooted cultural, spiritual, and historical meaning that has endured in an ever-changing world. When you fully understand the ideas behind Indian wedding rituals, you're able to appreciate Indian culture and how it celebrates love and family.
Want to learn more about Indian culture or experience it yourself? Find quick guides on the United Tribes blog or browse our India community page today.
