Gujrathi wedding

Gujrathi weddings are colorful events, rich with traditional bridal finery and tasty delicacies of the region. There are many fun-filled ceremonies that lead to the wedding nuptials.

Pre-wedding ceremonies

Mantap muhurat marks the beginning of the wedding celebrations and is performed in both houses where prayers are offered to Lord Ganesh.
Griha shanti puja is conducted to appease the grahas (stars) and ward off all evil effects.
Jaan - The groom comes to the bride's house and takes the blessings of his future mother-in-law. In a traditional Gujrathi wedding the groom is welcomed by the mother-in-law by taking aarti and then she tries to hold the nose of the groom indicating that the groom has arrived in front of her house rubbing his nose and asking for her daughter.
Jai mala - The bride and the groom exchange garlands and after this the groom's feet are washed and he is offered honey and milk (madhubarga). The groom's sisters-in-law steal his sandals and hide it and demand money to return the sandals

Traditional Gujrathi wedding

Kanya daan is performed parents of the bride before the sacred fire.
Hasta milap - The bride's pallu and the groom's shawl are tied into a knot and the bride and the groom hold each others hands indicating their union all through their lives.
Pheras - The bride and the groom go around the sacred fire as the groom repeats the mantras (holy verses) chanted by the acharya.
Saptapadi - The bride and the groom walk seven steps together signifying that they will walk together all their lives.
Reception - Reception is held immediately after the wedding and is an occasion for friends and family to participate and make merry.
Bidai - The newly wed couple go the groom's house in a decorated car.
Ghar-nu-Lakshmi - A vessel filled with rice to the brim is placed in the entrance of the house by the groom's mother. The bride knocks this vessel with her right foot and enters the house indicating that she has accepted the responsibilities of her new household.

A Gujrathi bride wears colorful and decked up saris for her wedding. This is typically known as gharchola. The saris are worn in the typical Gujrathi style and the color of the sari is usually red. Modern day brides wear lehengas (long skirts) in place of saris. The groom wears the traditional dhoti and kurta, modern day grooms wear suits or kurta pajamas.

Gujrathis are lovers of food and this is seen in the lavish wedding fare. Alu chat, kachori, mixed kanthol (sprouts), Dal fry, kadhi, nav ratan kurma, pulav, rasmalai, shrikhand, boondi raitha, and the list goes on. From the spicy namkeens to variety of sweets, Gujrathi cuisine is rich and varied

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