'Vivaha'or weddings known for their sheer vigour and vitality, given insight into much of Indian cultural and social life.

An important institution in the Indian society, marriage is a bonding not just in this lifetime, but in all lives there after, thus supporting the Hindu belief of reincarnation. The attire of the bride, the draping of the conventional saree, ornaments and application of 'Mehndi' or 'Henna' on her palms and feet vary from one community to other.

Bride-grooms procession with all the pomp and gaiety of fireworks, lights and rejoicing relatives is a dramatic prelude to the traditional ceremony. The various Vedic rituals performed by a priest before the sacred fire are the highlights of the ceremony which reaches its climax with the seven circumambulations around the fire taking the nuptial oaths.

The joint affirmation of the 'NikahNaama' or the marriage contract is of prime importance. the 'Qazi', or law officer presides over the ceremony with two men appointed as witness on the grooms behalf to receive orders for the 'Nikah' from the bride's family. After the amount of 'Mehr', or alimony is negotiated by the elders of the two families, the Qazi personally asks the Bride and the Groom for their consent. The marriage document is signed by the newly weds and two witnesses.

Sikh weddings take place in a Gurudwara and the ceremony is performed around the 'Guru Granth Sahib', the holy book of the Sikhs. Many customs peculiar to this community like the 'Maiyyan' - confinement of the bride and groom before the marriage, the Gharoli ceremony and the Ghare Chrana, take place. As the bride departs from her parents' house she throws back grains of rice, there by wishing prosperity for the family that she leaves behind.

A traditional Christian wedding is performed in a church with a priest presiding over the altar, and the groom with his best man standing on his right, waiting for the bride. The bride in all her finery,  arrives with her father along with bridesmaids. Flanked by the maid of honor, she stands next to the groom. The official performs the wedding ceremony and asks the groom and bride to take their marriage vows following which, they exchange rings and are pronounced man and wife.

Note: We'll be happy to arrange a wedding in India in your home town or in any place that interest you. We'll take care of every detailing of this special event management.

For details, please contact sandhyapande@nettoursindia.com