India is home to one billion people, a country rich in diversity. Hindu weddings are of the most common weddings being held in India, with customs varying depending on the geographical location. The level of involvement of the families around the whole wedding is so profound that they typically decide the bride and groom. (Gullapali & Sagi, 2009) Until a few decades ago the bride and groom would be chosen by their families through word of mouth or marriage priests, but trends have changes in urban areas, with individuals having a better say in who they choose to marry. Arranged marriages are still the norm in parts of India outside urban areas (Gullapali & Sagi, 2009). Months before the actual wedding an engagement ceremony is held where the two families meet to make the engagement …show more content…
The groom, dressed in his wedding attire, leaves his home to the wedding venue on a horse or in a luxurious car, and is accompanied by his friends and family in a big procession known as Baarat, with a show including music, orchestra, dance and fireworks (Gullapali & Sagi, 2009). After the groom arrives, the bride and groom exchange garlands and prayers are performed towards their deities in order to gain their blessings. After the bride is given away by her father, requesting of the groom to accept the bride as an equal partner, the priest recites mantras and holy rhyms. The couple is considered married when the groom ties a sacred thread, known as Thali, which symbolizes his promise to take care of her. The wedding ends with the groom applying vermillion to the bride’s forehead, welcoming her as his partner (Gullapali & Sagi, 2009). Some wedding traditions also include wedding games in order to lighten the mood. After the wedding ceremony, the bride leaves for her groom’s house where the grihapravesh ceremony is held. This ceremony signifies the couple’s gratitude towards their