₁jaan arrival

The jaan (Joe, his family and friends) arrive at the wedding and Bansri’s mother welcomes Joe with an aarti and tilak.During the welcome, she tries to pinch his nose, playfully reminding him that he has come to their door to ask for Bansri’s hand in marriage.Joe breaks a clay pot, to symbolise his ability to overcome all obstacles the couple may face in married life. Bansri’s parents escort Joe to the mandap.

₂ganesha puja

The priest begins the marriage ceremony with a prayer to Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles. The puja is performed for peace and harmony to prevail during the ceremony, and Ganesh’s blessings are sought for an auspicious beginning for the newlyweds.

₃var puja

As Joe represents Lord Vishnu, Bansri’s parents wash his feet and offer him madhuparka, a yoghurt and honey drink.

₄kanyaa aagman

While Bansri is escorted to the mandap by her brother and maternal uncle, a screen (antarpat) is held in front of Joe so he cannot see her as she walks down the aisle.

₅jai mala

Joe and Bansri exchange flower garlands, signifying the joining of their souls and the formal acceptance of each other in marriage.

₆granthi bandhan & varmala

Bansri and Joe are joined together by a sacred knot which symbolises two souls coming together.A loop of white cotton, wound 24 times and representing the virtues and characteristics of human life, is placed around the couple’s shoulders.

₇kanyaa daan & hastamelap

Bansri’s parents look upon Joe as Vishnu and give her hand to Joe, requesting him to accept her as his wife and equal partner. Joe gracefully accepts Bansri as Lakshmi, a symbol of prosperity. In joining hands, Bansri and Joe commit to supporting each other in their lifelong journey together.

₈mangal phera

A small open fire is lit in the centre of the mandap, and Agnidev is invited as witness to the marriage.Bansri and Joe walk around the fire four times. Each time, Bansri’s brothers fill the couple’s palms with rice, signifying health, prosperity and happiness, which they offer into the holy fire. The couple stop to touch a stone in their path with their toes, representing the obstacles they will overcome.Joe leads Bansri the first three times, each representing the goals of life that are set forward in Hindu scriptures: dharma, the duty to lead a moral life; artha, the duty to lead a prosperous life; and kaama, the duty to lead a passionate and spirited life. The final time, Bansri leads Joe around the fire. This circle represents the ultimate goal of life: moksha, realisation of the ultimate truth.Afterwards, Bansri and Joe race to sit down. It is said that whoever wins will rule the household!

₉saptapadi

Joe and Bansri take seven steps together, making seven vows to each other as they begin their life as husband and wife:

₁₀mangalsutra
& sindoor

Joe places the mangalsutra, a sacred black beaded necklace, around Bansri’s neck, to show his love and devotion to her.He then places sindoor, a red powder, on Bansri’s hair parting, symbolising she is a married woman.

₁₁kansaar

Joe and Bansri share a sweet dessert to bring sweetness to their marriage.

₁₂akhand saubhagyavati

Several married women from both sides of the family whisper secret blessings into the ear of the bride.

₁₃ashirwaad

The priest and family bless the newly married couple with wishes for everlasting happiness.