Exotic Indian Wedding

Maharashtrian wedding is perhaps the simplest and the least sumptuous in the 

whole country. Unlike other marriages, most of the rituals are preformed early in 

the morning. The Maharashtrian marriage procedure starts with finding a suitable 

counterpart. After this, the horoscope of the boy and the girl are matched by the 

purohits. After the horoscopes match, the mahurut for the marriage is taken out. 

This is followed by the preparations for the wedding, with the wedding rituals being 

performed alongside. 

 

Pre Wedding Rituals

Sakhar Puda ceremony is the initial ritual which takes place in a Maharashtrain 

wedding. It can be termed as the engagement, wherein the bride is given a sari, and 

sweet or sugar, by the groom's family. Next is the Kelvan ceremony, which is 

performed at both the bride's and the groom's house. It is a small puja of the 

kuldevta, followed by a meal. After this, the Haldi ceremony takes place, wherein 

turmeric paste is applied to both the bride and the groom. This is known as Halad 

Chadavane. This is followed by Simant puja, wherein, once the groom arrives at the 

bride's place; her parents wash his feet and give him gifts. 

 

Wedding Rituals

Antarpat is a silk shawl used to separate the bride and the groom. The maternal 

uncle of the bride brings her to the dias, where the mangalashtakas are recited. 

Then the shawl is removed and the couple sees each other for the first time and 

exchange garlands. At this moment they are showered with unbroken rice. After 

this, the couple asks their parents for permission to get married. This is called the 

Sankalp ceremony. After this, the bride's parents perform the Kanyadaan ritual, 

wherein they offer their daughter to the groom. 

 

After Kanyadaan, the groom ties mangalsutra around bride's neck and applies 

vermillion in her hair parting. She in return applies a sandalwood tilak on his 

forehead. Next is the Vivah Homa, which is conducted by the groom in assistance 

with the priest. Following this is the Saptapadhi ritual, wherein the couple takes 

seven rounds around the sacred fire, taking seven vows. The wedding ceremony 

comes to an end with the Karmasampati ritual, wherein the bride's father, the bride 

and the groom please Gods to bless the wedlock.

 

Post Wedding Rituals

Grihapravesh is the first ritual conducted after wedding. The groom's mother 

welcomes the new couple and washes their feet with milk and water. After this the 

traditional aarti is performed and the bride is asked to enter the house by knocking 

down a glass of rice, kept at the entrance. The couple enters the house with their 

right foot. Last but not the least Reception party is organized, wherein sumptuous 

food is served for the guests.