Gujarati Wedding Rituals & Program
In a traditional Gujarati wedding, there are several pre-wedding and wedding rituals that are significant and hold cultural importance. Some of the main pre-wedding and wedding rituals in a Gujarati wedding ceremony are:
Pre-wedding rituals:
Sagai or engagement: This is the first formal announcement of the couple's engagement. The groom's family visits the bride's family to present gifts, and the couple exchanges rings.
Ganesh Maatli/ Ganesha Sthapan – Lord Ganesha Pooja
Ganesha Sthapan or Ganesha Maatli is said to be the beginning of the wedding ceremonies and rituals. In this ceremony, both the families conduct Ganesh Pooja at their home few days prior to the wedding. Couple and their families pray for their happy and successful married life.
Mehendi: A henna ceremony is held where the bride's hands and feet are decorated with intricate henna designs.
Mandap Mahurat
This is an auspicious ceremony where the parents of the couple seek blessings of Mother Earth and also take permission from her to start the digging of a piece of the land to erect a mandap.
Griha Shanti
Griha Shanti ceremony is held immediately after the Mandap Mahurat. In this ceremony the blessing of all the nine planets of the solar system is seeked by both the bride’s and groom’s family. Griha Shanti is a mandatory ceremony in the Gujarati wedding.
Pithi – Sandalwood Paste
Pithi is similar to haldi ceremony in which a paste of sandalwood, turmeric, saffron, rosewater and perfume is applied to the groom by friends and family at their respective homes. The turmeric included in the paste is considered auspicious and also a beauty enhancer.
Mameru
Also known as Mosaalu, Mameru ceremony takes place one or two days prior to the wedding day. In this ceremony, the maternal uncle of the bride visit her and gives sweets and gifts like saree, jewellery and other clothes.
Wedding rituals:
Baraat and Varghodo: The groom arrives at the wedding venue on a decorated horse or car, and is welcomed by the bride's family.
Jaimala: The bride and groom exchange garlands as a symbol of acceptance and respect.
Madhuparka: The groom is offered a mixture of honey, milk, and ghee by the bride's father as a sign of respect and welcome.
Kanya Daan: The father of the bride gives his daughter's hand in marriage to the groom, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility and care.
Hasta Milap: The bride and groom hold each other's hands and exchange vows and promises.
Mangalphera: The couple takes seven vows and circumambulates the sacred fire, representing the seven promises of marriage.
Sindoor and Mangalsutra: The groom applies sindoor (vermilion powder) on the bride's forehead and ties a mangalsutra (sacred thread) around her neck, symbolizing her status as a married woman.
Saptapadi: The couple takes seven steps together, each step representing a vow they make to each other.
Vidaai: The bride bids farewell to her family and leaves with her husband to start a new life together.
These are some of the main pre-wedding and wedding rituals that are performed in a traditional Gujarati wedding ceremony.