Wedding is a sacred knot that unites two hearts. Indian weddings display a colorful celebration. Gujarati weddings are a treat for the spectators. It is lively and colorful. Like any other Indian wedding, Gujarati weddings also involve many ritual and customs.

Gujarati weddings are spread across four to five days. They involve pre, post and wedding day rituals. The pre-wedding rituals begin by finalizing an auspicious day for the wedding.  The engagement ceremony is then carried out. This marks the confirmation for the marriage from both the parties. A puja is held at both the groom’s and the bride’s place in order to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha. This is done to keep all evil spirits away. Ghari puja is an important ritual that is carried out before the wedding. The priest conducts a prayer using wheat, oil, coconut, turmeric and some spices. Married women from the family then grind wheat – that symbolizes prosperity. Ceremonies of sangeet, haldi and mehendi are the next to follow. These rituals are exciting and are a way of blessing the couple. Sangeet and haldi is carried out both at the bride’s and the groom’s place.

On the wedding day, the groom arrives at the venue with his friends and relatives. The bride’s mother welcomes him by performing an aarti. The groom bows down to receive blessings from his mother-in-law. She in turn tries to clutch his nose. This is a fun to watch. This ritual is called Jaan and symbolizes the groom’s responsibility toward the bride and her family. The next ritual to follow is the Jaimala ceremony. the couple exchange garlands with each other. The bride enters the mandap with her uncle. A curtain is kept to separate the bride and the groom. The groom is welcomed in the mandap by his mother-in-law by washing his feet with honey and milk. During this ceremony, the bride’s sisters hide the groom’s shoes and later on ask for money to return it. This is called the Madhuparka ceremony. The bride’s sari is tied to the groom’s shawl. This is believed to bind them forever. The couple takes four rounds around the sacred fire and exchange vows with each other. This ritual seals their relation. The couple is then blessed by all their family members.

The post wedding ceremonies are the celebrations done after the wedding. After completion of all the wedding rituals a grand and lavish reception is organized. This is a way of introducing the bride and the groom to their respective families. Delicious cuisines, dance and music makes it worth-watching. After the reception it is time for the bride to bid farewell to her parents and family.

The bride receives a warm welcome by her in-laws on her arrival in her new house. The ceremony of Aeki-Beki is then carried out. All this ritual ends the wedding ceremonies on an happy note and leaves behind memorable moments.