Weddings in India

Weddings in India are festive occasions and usually celebrated with extensive decorations, color, music, dance, outfits and rituals that depend on the community, region and religion of the bride and the groom, as well as their preferences.

The rituals and process of a Hindu wedding vary depending on the region of India, local adaptations, resources of the family and preferences of the bride and the groom.

Nevertheless, there are a few key rituals common in Hindu weddings – Kanyadaan, Panigrahana, and Saptapadi; these are respectively, giving away of daughter by the father, voluntarily holding hand near the fire to signify impending union, and taking seven steps before fire with each step including a set of mutual vows.

The couple walk around the respective holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, four times, and then perform the Ardās prayer & praise.

Indian Muslims celebrate a traditional Islamic wedding, with rituals including Nikah, payment of financial dower called Mahr by the groom to the bride, signing of marriage contract, and a reception.

Among North Indian Christians, a day before the wedding, the Haldi/ Ubtan/ Mayun ceremony happens; in which turmeric paste is applied on the bride-to-be and groom-to-be.

Among the Bombay East Indian Christians, the Umbracho Pani ceremony is held, a day before the wedding, in which water drawn from a well is used to bathe by the bride-to-be and groom-to-be.

[13] Interfaith marriages in India, especially between Hindus and Muslims, have been the subject of legal constraints in some states, vigilante harassment, and fears of violence.

The prime factors for growth in the industry are the rise of middle class in India, an overall booming economy and use of social media.