Indian Wedding Traditions
Hindu Weddings
Hindu weddings are amazing to photograph. They allow for both creative storytelling and documenting timeless moments. These celebrations are a beautiful tapestry of culture, emotion, and rituals. Hindu weddings can be intimate ceremonies or a multi-day event, each one is unique and filled with layers of color and centuries-old customs and family traditions.
Even though every Hindu wedding is unique, most share common elements. As a wedding photographer, I learned early on that it is important that I understand the significance of each moment and help in capturing the depth of the event. Throughout my career as a wedding photographer, I have developed an understanding of the rituals and customs associated with Hindu weddings. The ceremonies can be complex, including intricate details with deep spiritual significance.
Because these celebrations often span multiple days leading up to the event, communication between myself and the couple is essential to create a detailed timeline of the sequence of events; the rituals included, and any preferences the couple might have.
Photographing a Hindu wedding is not just my job—it’s an opportunity to capture the sacredness of a cultural tradition that is rich in symbolism and meaning not only for my couple but for generations to come. It’s a chance to witness one of the most important milestones in someone’s life as they are surrounded by family, friends, and centuries of tradition. The memories you capture will be cherished for generations, preserving the beauty, joy, and emotion of a day that celebrates love, commitment, and new beginnings.
Hindu Wedding Traditions
The Baraat
The Baraat signals the groom's arrival at the wedding venue accompanied by his entourage, traditionally by riding a horse or elephant. It is a celebration that showcases the groom's side of the wedding party and sets a festive tone for the upcoming nuptials.
As a photographer, I am keenly aware of the light, natural daylight, shadows, and the potential need for flash as evening approaches. Capturing this part of the wedding day requires an understanding of how to move through the crowd without disrupting the festivities. My goal is to tell the story in a series of photos that show not only the groom’s arrival but also the excitement that makes the baraat a special part of the day.
It's also important not to miss the little moments, I know that capturing those candid interactions is key to telling the wedding day story. The bride’s family may be watching from a distance and younger children are dancing or trying to keep up, parts of the day the bride and groom don't see because they are so caught up in the moment.
Van Puja
The bride's mother welcomes the groom and his family. A tilak (a mark on the forehead) is applied as a sign of protection and blessing, and she pulls his nose as a sign of playfulness and good luck. To welcome the groom to the mandate (alter), the eldest member of the bride's family washes his feet.
Vadhu Agmana
"Vadhu Agmana" is the Sanskrit term for the "arrival of the bride." As the bride walks down the aisle, her brothers of the bride carry a photon ka chaadar (a canopy of flowers) over her head, a tradition that shows that the bride has been raised with lots of love and care. The flowers on the canopy symbolize love, purity, beauty, and fertility.
Jai Mala
The bride and groom exchange garlands to display their acceptance of each other as life partners. This symbolic moment sealing the couple's union.
Kanya Daan
This is a sacred moment when the parents "give away the bride." It symbolizes their trust and blessing on their new journey and the transfer of responsibility from her family home to the groom.
Havan
The lighting of the sacred fire is meant to ignite the couple's spiritual connection and symbolizes the eternal flame of love and unity as they begin the sacred journey into marriage.
Gath Bandham
The tying of this knot unites them in love, trust, and lifelong companionship and symbolizes the unbreakable bond between the bride and groom. After the tying of the knot, the couple then performs the Pheras and walks around the Havan seven times so that the sacred fire is a witness to the union as they become husband and wife.
Saptapadi
The seven steps represent seven promises and blessings.
1. To love each other and always remain together.
2. To embrace each other's family as their own.
3. To remain faithful to each other.
4. To rejoice in times of happiness and to help each other in troubled times.
5. To share body and soul with each other.
6. To acknowledge God's presence and blessings to those witnessing the ceremonies.
7. To acquire strength for themselves and their offspring.
Lindoor & Mangalsutra
The groom applies a sindoor to the bride's forehead, symbolizing her marital status and his commitment to her.
The groom then places a sacred necklace called the mangalsutra around her neck, signifying her marital status and promises of love, protection, and commitment.
Vidaai
The bride bids farewell to her childhood home and loved ones by throwing rice over her head. This shows she is embarking on a new chapter of her life as a married woman. This moment is often filled with joy and tears.