Traditional Indian weddings

India is a combination of many different ethnic groups, following their own cultures, customs and traditions and this is one of the reasons why India is known as a ‘diverse nation’ and the reflection of the same can be seen on the vibrant and the multi colors associated with the Indian wedding ceremonies. Wedding is one of the oldest rituals followed and passed on by mankind from one generation to the next and there is no doubt that Indian culture is no exception in this. In fact, Indian culture and tradition are considered as one of the oldest and Indian weddings as one of the age- old events.

Weddings in the lives of the Indians are considered as sacred and holy. It’s an event which after completion of a number of detailed ceremonies unites two different individuals as one, acting as the bridge between the bride and groom and their family’s as well, creating a strong bond. Whether it’s a Hindu, Christian, Muslim or Punjabi wedding, India gives you a quick glance to a mixture of everything. Precisely, traditional Indian wedding is a combination of different shades of exciting colors exactly like that in the case of ‘rainbow’. Be the weddings in northern style like those of the Sikhs, the Buddhists or in the southern, eastern or the western style, whatever it may be, it will definitely win all hearts. In the Indian context, wedding is a connection, binding two persons not only in this present life but this holy union continues even after death, including the next seven rebirths of one’s life!

History and origin of Indian weddings:
In the ancient times in India, especially in Hindu weddings, polygamy and polyandry which are considered as illegal these days were practiced for political and social reasons and falling in love before marriage was thought to be as committing a sin. In the ancient period, Swayamwaras were arranged by the kings for their daughters, wherein princesses get to make a selection and the men on the other hand would have to prove themselves worthy of the princesses. It can be traced from the Vedas that individuals were considered matured when they attained puberty after which they were considered ready for marriage. While for others marriage took place mostly in their childhood primarily with the intention of protecting them from the foreign invaders. In fact, it became obligatory for each and every girl to step into the bond of wedding.

Though India is a ‘pot pouri’ of different cultural backgrounds but in some way or the other the wedding rituals are quite similar to one another with just some slight differences reflecting their customs and traditions, though the basic rituals remaining the same!