01
Baraat
Ashish arrives in a joyful wedding procession accompanied by family and friends with music and dancing. This celebration marks Ashish’s journey to the wedding venue to marry Naviya.
Naviya & Ashish EST. 2023
A little guide to the traditions and moments that will bring us from two families to one. We’re so happy to have you here with us as we celebrate, laugh, take our vows, and begin this next chapter together.
THE CEREMONY
Arrival & Welcome
Steps 1–7
02
Pokhvanu
Naviya’s family warmly welcomes Ashish and his family. Ashish is greeted with traditional rituals, blessings, and an aarti to symbolize respect, acceptance, and the joining of two families.
03
Kashi Yatra
In this lighthearted tradition, Ashish symbolically announces his intention to renounce worldly life and leave for Kashi (Varanasi) to pursue spiritual knowledge. Naviya’s father lovingly persuades him to return and accept the responsibilities of married life by marrying his daughter.
04
Var Pooja
Naviya’s parents honor and show respect to Ashish. Throughout the wedding, Ashish takes on the characteristics of Laxminarayana (god). By washing his feet, Naviya’s parents demonstrate their respect for God and for Ashish’s new role in their daughter’s life.
05
Bride’s Entrance
Escorted by her loved ones, Naviya makes her way to the mandap. This emotional moment marks the beginning of the sacred marriage ceremony and the union of two families. An antarpat, a ceremonial cloth, is held between Naviya and Ashish before they see one another.
06
Jai Mala
Naviya and Ashish garland one another with fresh flowers, signifying the grand union of their families, and the merging of traditions, values, and customs.
07
Oonjal (Swing Ceremony)
Naviya and Ashish are seated on a beautifully decorated swing while family members gently rock them. Traditional songs are sung, and blessings are offered to symbolize balance, harmony, and support throughout married life.
Opening Rituals
Steps 8–15
08
Ganesh Pooja
The wedding ceremony commences with an invocation of Lord Hayagreva and Lord Ganesha, who purify Naviya and Ashish, averting obstacles and blessing them with happiness and prosperity.
09
Punya Vachan
Sacred water is blessed through Vedic prayers and used to purify Naviya and Ashish, their families, and the ceremonial space. The ritual prepares the mandap for the sacred rites that follow and invokes auspiciousness.
10
Agni Pooja
Agni, the sacred fire, is invoked as a divine witness to the marriage. Offerings and prayers are made to the fire as Naviya and Ashish prepare to take their vows and begin their life together.
11
Kanyadan
One of the most sacred rituals of the ceremony, Naviya’s parents formally entrust their daughter to Ashish. They offer their blessings and support as Naviya and Ashish begin their new life together.
12
Hasta Melap
Naviya and Ashish’s hands are joined in a sacred gesture that symbolizes their formal union. With the blessings of their families and the divine, they accept one another as partners in married life.
13
Mangalsutra Pooja
The mangalsutra is blessed with prayers before it is later tied around Naviya’s neck. The blessing invokes protection, prosperity, strength, and a happy married life for Naviya and Ashish.
14
Var Mala
A ceremonial garland is placed on Naviya and Ashish, honouring them and blessing their union as they continue through the sacred wedding rites.
15
Gaath Bandhan
Ashrita ties Naviya and Ashish’s garments together in a sacred knot. The binding symbolizes two lives, two families, and two paths becoming joined in marriage.
Sacred Vows & Marriage Rites
Steps 16–20
16
Mangal Pheras
Naviya and Ashish circle the sacred fire together, making solemn vows to one another. Each round represents promises of love, trust, respect, prosperity, and lifelong companionship. There are four pheras: the first three are led by Ashish, and the last one is led by Naviya.
17
Saptapadi (Seven Steps)
Naviya and Ashish take seven symbolic steps together, with each step representing a shared promise—from nourishment and strength to love, family, friendship, and lifelong partnership. These seven vows complete the marriage.
18
Mangalsutra
Ashish ties the mangalsutra, a sacred necklace, around Naviya’s neck. This symbolizes their marital bond, lifelong commitment, and the blessings of a prosperous married life.
19
Chunri
Naviya is draped with a ceremonial chunri as a blessing for her new chapter. The ritual symbolizes honour, protection, love, and her welcome into married life.
20
Sindoor
Ashish applies sindoor, a sacred red vermilion, to Naviya’s hair parting. The ritual is a traditional symbol of marriage and of Naviya and Ashish’s new life together.
Blessings, Signing & Farewell
Steps 21–25
21
Akhand Saubhagyavati Blessing
Five married women from each side bless Naviya with prayers for a long, happy, and prosperous married life. This ritual symbolizes the wish that she enjoys enduring love, health, and marital happiness.
22
Arundhati Darshan
Naviya and Ashish are guided to view the stars Arundhati and Vashistha, who represent the ideal married couple in Hindu tradition. This ritual inspires the newlyweds to build a relationship based on devotion, equality, and mutual respect.
23
Marriage License Signing
Naviya, Ashish, two witnesses, and the officiant sign the marriage license, officially registering the marriage according to civil law. Naviya and Ashish also exchange rings, marking their commitment to one another.
24
Kansar & Elders Blessing
Naviya and Ashish share kansar, a traditional sweet, and feed one another. This first shared taste symbolizes sweetness, nourishment, care, and joy in married life. They then receive blessings from their elders for a happy, healthy, and prosperous life together.
25
Vidaai
Naviya bids an emotional farewell to her parents and family as she begins a new chapter with Ashish. This touching tradition symbolizes love, gratitude, and the joining of two families.
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