The Indian culture celebrates marriage as a sacrament (Sanskara), a rite enabling two individuals to start their journey in life together. In a Hindu wedding, the multiplicity of creation becomes possible when spirit (Purush) unites with matter (Prakritti). The Hindu wedding lays emphasis on three essential values: happiness, harmony, and growth. The institution of marriage can be traced back to Vedic times. The ceremony should be held on a day in the "bright half" of the northern course of the sun. Months before the wedding an engagement ceremony known as Mangni is held. This is to bless the couple, who are then given gifts of jewelry and clothing by their new family. The wedding ceremony is one of the oldest traditions of Indian culture. The elements of the ceremony were set more than forty centuries ago in the ancient Hindu scriptures known as the "Vedas". The marriage (Lagna), witnessed by all guests, is not only the union of a man & woman, but also of their families. This section covers most aspects of a Hindu wedding, from preparations and traditions to specific details of the wedding ceremonies for nine different branches of Hinduism. Hindus believe in many gods (devas) but only one Supreme Being. They place their trust in the law of karma by which people merit their fate and where they resolve their conflicts and imperfections through reincarnation. They believe in the sanctity of life and practise ahimsa (non-injury) and practise tolerance towards other religions although they believe that only Hinduism offers salvation. Buy Indian Wedding Cards |
