Kanya Daan :

The wedding rituals are performed in front of a sacred fire and conducted by the acharya. The rituals begin with the kanya daan or giving away the girl. The bride is given away by her parents who abstain from eating to make themselves pure in body and mind for the occasion. Their folded hands reflect the hope that their son-in-law will take good care of their daughter and never cause her pain. They wash his feet as they believe that he is none other than the Hindu Lord, Vishnu, to whom they are handing over his rightful consort, the Goddess Laxmi in the form of their daughter.

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Hasta Milap :

In this ritual, the groom's scarf or shawl is tied to the bride's saree. This knot and the joined hands of the couple symbolise the union of two souls joined together in holy matrimony. The acharya chants mantras to invoke the blessings of Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Parvati for the saubhagyavrata or wife. The family and relatives present also come together to bless the couple and shower grains of rice and rose petals on them.

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Pheras :

The bride is dressed by her mother, female relatives and friends amid much gaiety. She may wear a sari or a lehenga in traditional colours like red, orange or magenta. She is adorned with traditional gold jewellery like a nose ring, etc.

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Saptapadi :

The saptapadi or seven steps is another important ritual that makes up the wedding ceremony. The couple must go around the holy fire seven times. The groom chants mantras with each step. Through these mantras he seeks his bride's support and makes a particular request to her with each step. Thus, he makes seven requests totally. Among these requests are that his wife take good care of the house, cook wholesome and healthy meals for their family, be thrifty with money, be an understanding and supporting partner to him, etc. The bride, on her part, promises to fulfill these requests.

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