Vivah Sanskar

• Mandap (four-pillared canopy) with agni kund and havan samagri
• Var mala (flower garlands) and the sehra for the groom
• Bride's wedding attire, mangalsutra, and sindoor
• Tilak and haldi paste
• Coconuts, rice, and dal for the laja homa
• A small stone slab for Shilarohan
• Kalash with water, mango leaves, and a coconut
• Diya, ghee, cotton wicks, camphor
• Mehndi, flowers, and sweets
• Dakshina envelopes for the priest

1. 1Tilak / Sagai — formal engagement; the bride's family applies tilak to the groom and exchanges gifts.
2. 2Haldi ceremony — turmeric paste is applied to both bride and groom at their homes for purification.
3. 3Mehndi and Sangeet — celebratory evenings of henna and music before the wedding day.
4. 4Baraat arrives at the venue; the groom is welcomed by the bride's family at the Milni.
5. 5Var Mala (Jaimala) — bride and groom exchange flower garlands, signifying acceptance.
6. 6Kanyadan — the bride's father places her hand in the groom's, formally giving her in marriage.
7. 7Panigrahan — the groom takes the bride's right hand, reciting the mantra of acceptance and commitment.
8. 8Shilarohan — the bride steps on a small stone, symbolising her unwavering commitment.
9. 9Laja Homa — the bride's brother pours puffed rice (laja) into her hands; the couple offers it together to the sacred fire.
10. 10Agni Parikrama (Saat Phere) — the couple circles the sacred fire seven times. The bride leads the first three rounds; the groom leads the remaining four.
11. 11Sindoor Daan and Mangalsutra — the groom applies sindoor to the bride's hair parting and ties the mangalsutra around her neck.
12. 12Saptapadi — the couple takes seven steps together, each step a vow for shared life: nourishment, strength, prosperity, happiness, progeny, health, and lifelong friendship.
13. 13Ashirvad — the elders bless the couple with akshat and kumkum.
14. 14Vidai — the bride departs with her husband's family, throwing handfuls of rice back over her shoulder as a parting gift to her parents' home.

Mantras are traditionally led by the pandit — these are shown for reference where known. Explore the full mantra library.