Hi! Kavya and Cameron here.
Very shortly (or currently, depending on when you’re reading this), we’ll be up on the mandap and getting married in a Hindu wedding ceremony. It will take around one hour.
Feel free to enjoy some refreshments or stretch your legs during this time, though your undivided attention is appreciated particularly towards the climactic end of the ceremony.
We hope you can follow along - here is a little detail about each key step:
Jaimaala:
Exchanging of floral garlands
We will begin the formal ceremony by exchanging floral garlands (Jaimaala). These signify that we have willingly chosen and accepted each other as partners, and we are pledging a lifelong commitment to love and respect each other.
Ganesh Puja:
Prayer to the god Ganesh
Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, is considered the remover of obstacles, the god of new beginnings, and bringer of good luck. For many Hindus, significant undertakings in life (such as a wedding!) begin with a prayer to Ganesh to ensure the road ahead is smooth.
Kanyadaan
Kanyadaan, in its most ancient form, revolves around the concept of acceptance. Here, Kavya’s parents symbolically ask Cameron to promise that he will respect, love, and care for Kavya as they have done. Kavya’s parents then demonstrate their acceptance of the union by placing her hand in Cameron’s.
Agni Puja and Saath Phere
Like in many Hindu rituals (pujas), the havan, or sacred fire, is of central importance - in this ceremony, it represents the fire god Agni, and acts as a symbolic link between our world and the cosmos. Agni is invited to witness and sanctify our marriage.
At this point, our scarves will be tied together (the Hindu version of ‘tying the knot!’), symbolising our lifelong union. We will then make seven circles around the fire - the saath phere. Each circuit represents a different vow we will make to each other. Briefly, each vow is as follows:
- To respect and honour and nourish each other
- To be by each other’s side, and share in each other’s joys and sorrows
- To trust in, and be loyal to each other
- To shower each other with love and affection
- To re-affirm our promises of familial duties
- To grow old together
- To build together a life filled with friendship, love and mutual trust
Mangalsutra and Sindoor
We’re now married as per Hindu tradition! Similar to a wedding ring, Cameron places a gold necklace, called a mangalsutra, around Kavya’s neck. He also adorns her brow with a traditional vermillion powder known as sindoor - a mark of a married woman.
Thanks for following along! The Hindu wedding ceremony is now complete. We will shortly commence the Civil ceremony, followed by the Vidaai.
Vidaai:
The bride's farewell and new beginnings
The vidaai is a cultural farewell ceremony performed by the bride and her family - it signifies an official goodbye as Kavya heads into her new family (with Cameron and the cats!).
Here, Kavya will turn and walk away from her family and toss flower petals over her shoulder. These symbolise her appreciation for everything her mum and dad have done for her, and signify that even though she’s starting a new life with Cameron, a part of her heart will always remain behind.
Cameron will be waiting to accept Kavya as they begin their new life together.