Vibhusha-

Most of my materials are in Kayavarohan and I am still state-side so this is what I could pull togehter with what I got here:

Here are a few parts of a typical wedding in Gujarat, or at least around the parts that I am familiar with. If you are looking for some ideas to incorporate into your ceremony perhaps some of these pieces can be used as is or modified to suit your special day.

I love marriage season in Kayavarohan; music floating through the air( sometimes all night long), fireworks that I can usually watch from the terrace off my room, and the whole village has a festive air to it.

 From a Hindu perspective marriage is a sacrament not a legal contract. It is a life-long commitment that is a means for spiritual growth through the practices of mutual trust and affection, being clear mirrors for each other and sharing responsibilities. It is known as grahasta ashram (householder stage) the second of four stages of life..

Marriage ceremonies last for several days. The timing of the vows can happen anytime of day or night according to the most auspicious time. The ceremony and celebrating often lasts until sunrise. With fireworks set off to highlight important moments. There is lots of music.

The wedding processional through the town often stops all traffic(depending on the time of day) These processions are complete with fireworks and/or firecrackers, a band that also processes and keeps the group literally dancing in the streets. The procession consists of the groom's family and friends. The groom often comes in a flower covered silver carriage pulled by white horses. The procession arrives site, usually a 'party plot' that is outside. The groom and his party are met by the bride's family and friends. some playful exchanges happen between the two groups and finally the groom and his party enter.
Each groom is Rama, and each bride is Sita.

The actual ceremony takes place under a mandeep, a canopy that can be very simple or quite ornate( like a chuppah).

Here are some of the parts of a Lagna, a Gujarati marriage:

Varghodol: groom's procession

Varmala: couple exchanges garlands

Mangalastak: verses that honor Ganesh and prayers for the will being of the couple

Kanyadan: giving away the bride


Havan (Lighting of the Sacred Fire)
The couple invokes Agni, the god of Fire, to witness their commitment to each other. Crushed sandalwood, herbs, sugar rice and oil are offered to the ceremonial fire.

Rajaham (Sacrifice to the Sacred Fire)
The bride places both her hands into the groom's then places rice into her hands. Together the bride and groom offer the rice as a sacrifice into the fire.

Gath Bandhan (Tying of the Nuptial Knot)
The scarves placed around the bride and groom are tied together symbolizing their eternal bond. This signifies their pledge before God to love each other and remain faithful.

Mangalphera (Walk Around the Fire)
The couple makes four Mangalpheras ;walk around the fire four times, alternating in who leads, starting with the bride in a clockwise direction. This represents the four goals in life: Dharma, religious and moral duties; Artha, prosperity; Kama, earthly pleasures; Moksha, spiritual salvation and liberation. ,
An officiant says:
Om Svaha! With the first turn, we pray for happiness in the union of the couple.
Om Svaha! With the second turn, we pray for the long life of the couple.
Om Svaha! With the third turn, we pray for the healthy life of the couple.
Om Svaha! With the fourth turn, we pray for the happiness and health of the couple.



Saptapardi (Seven Steps Together)
The bride and groom take seven steps together to signify their journey through life together. Each step represents a marital vow:

First step: To respect and honor each other
Second step: To share each other's joy and sorrow
Third step: To trust and be loyal to each other
Fourth step: To cultivate appreciation for knowledge, values, sacrifice and service
Fifth step: To reconfirm their vow of purity, love family duties and spiritual growth
Sixth step: To follow principles of Dharma (righteousness)
Seventh step: To nurture an eternal bond of friendship and love

Jalastnchana (Blessing of the Couple)
The parents of the bride and groom bless the wedded couple by dipping a rose in water and sprinking it over the couple.

Sindhoor (Red Powder)
The groom applies a small dot of vermilion, a powdered red lead, to the bride's forehead and welcomes her as his partner for life. It is applied for the first time to a woman during the marriage ceremony when the bridegroom himself adorns her with it.

Ashirvad (Parental Blessing)
The parents of the bride and groom give their blessings to the couple. the couple offer thanks to the parents