How to get married in India

Marriage is most awaited celebration in Indian families. This is a big celebration with lot of traditions, rituals, guest gathering, feasts, and enjoyment. Preparations begin weeks before the date of main wedding function on both the sides. Indian marriages are known for their rituals and splendour presentation.

Every religion has its own system and rituals. In India, even in one religion, there are different rituals which represent their traditional values followed through their generations. In spite of this diversity, some basic traditions are found common in all such marriages.

Marriage preparations start when the selection of marriageable boy or girl is finalised by the parents of both the sides. Even if boy or girl know and love each other before marriage, the arrangement is mostly concluded by their parents and other senior members of both the families. Such love relations, when approved by the parents of both, is generally transformed in arranged marriage.

Mainly three ceremonies are important in Hindu Marriages. The first one is known as ROKA which means confirmation of the relations between boy and girl and their respective families. Second one is SAGAAI or Engagement or Ring Ceremony where wedding rings are exchanged and worn by each other as a token of their love and acceptance.

Henna is considered most auspicious and is used at all religious and blissful occasions in Indian culture. This practice has been given a special status in the marriages now a day. Henna is applied on the hand and feet of the bride just before the day of marriage. That night is fully enjoyed with music and traditional songs. Applying henna is considered a fortunate sign for happy married life.

The last and foremost ceremony is Wedding Ceremony. The bride groom with customary dress rides a horse and arrives at the door step of the bride accompanied by the dancing marriage-party. Bridegroom and the marriage-party is received and welcome by the relatives and friends of the bride side. Here some rituals are performed and finally Garland Ceremony (VARMALA) starts where bride and bridegroom garland each other. Now a day preferably a stage is built for this purpose.

A dinner to the marriage-party is hosted by the bride side and finally begins the rituals which fasten both bridegroom and bride in an eternal bond. A special altar (MANDAP) is built on the wedding venue. In Hindus, marriage is not total until seven religious rounds (SAAT PHERE) of fire are not taken by bride and bridegroom. Fire is considered ultimate and sacred God who, it is believed, witnesses these rounds. Seven Rounds mean seven wedding vows made by bridegroom and bride to each other to follow righteous path in married life. Vermilion powder is applied by the bridegroom in the hair of bride and finally they become husband and wife.

The last ceremony is BIDAAI (Farewell) Ceremony. The girl bids emotional goodbye to her parents to reside with her husband for the whole life.

In married life, both husband and wife are loaded with responsibilities and duties towards each other and the society as well. Here importance of customs and rituals cannot be ruled out as wedding customs and rituals remind them of their obligations and also unite them in a holy and divine relationship.

Role of Communication in Marriage

Psychologists believe that a man is task-oriented and a woman relationship-oriented. Man should not force his views on woman trying his logical skills. For a smooth and happy marriage both the partners have to understand their mate and his/her approach to life. This situation may involve some communication and discussion from both the sides. This arrangement often helps to plan time together doing activities that both enjoy as well as allowing desired space to each other.

Talking is Important in a Marriage

Marriage is a lifelong commitment. Talking and communication is the best way to keep it alive and fresh. Differences, if any, should be sorted out through talking and discussions. Understanding the differences in the way men and women think is a great step towards living in harmony together.