A Gujarati wedding is a beautiful blend of vibrant rituals and festive celebrations, much like other traditional Indian marriages. It is filled with religious customs and joyous ceremonies that make it a memorable occasion for everyone involved. ExoticWeddingExpertz is dedicated to bringing your dream wedding to life, ensuring that every detail is planned to perfection and all your wishes are fulfilled, all at an affordable price compared to Western weddings.
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Matchmaking
In the Gujarati community, matchmaking typically occurs within the same cultural group. As is common in many Indian communities, the bride’s father starts looking for a suitable match for his daughter as she comes of age. Gujaratis prefer the couple to meet in person and mutually decide whether they wish to marry.
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Pre-Wedding Rituals
Several key pre-wedding rituals are performed in a Gujarati wedding:
Mandap Mahurat: This ceremony marks the beginning of auspicious events to receive blessings from Lord Ganesha, the Hindu God believed to remove obstacles. Both the bride’s and groom’s families perform this ritual in their respective homes a few days before the wedding.
Griha Shanti: This important puja is held at both the bride's and the groom's homes after their horoscopes are matched. A Hindu priest leads the ceremony, with the bride’s father’s relatives participating in the rituals.
Jaan: In this unique ritual, the groom visits the bride's home to receive blessings from his future mother-in-law. He bows his head, and she holds his nose, symbolizing his respect and understanding of the sacrifices his bride will make. The mother-in-law blesses him and performs a small ritual to ward off the evil eye.
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Wedding Rituals
Gujarati weddings are known for their colorful and distinctive rituals:
Antarpaat: The bride’s maternal uncle (mama) brings her to the wedding mandap, where a curtain called Antarpaat separates the bride and groom. When the curtain is lifted, the couple exchanges garlands as a sign of their union.
Madhuparka: This ritual follows the Jaimala ceremony, where the groom’s feet are washed while sitting under the mandap, and he is offered milk and honey. The famous tradition of the bride’s sister-in-law hiding the groom’s shoes also takes place. The groom must then pay a sum of money to retrieve his shoes by the end of the day.
Hasta Milap: The groom’s shawl is tied to the bride's sari, symbolizing the joining of two souls. The priest chants mantras to invoke blessings from Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Parvati. Family members and relatives shower the couple with rice and rose petals to bless the union.
Kanya Daan: The wedding rituals are performed before a sacred fire, conducted by the priest. The Kanya Daan ritual begins with the bride being given away by her parents. The bride’s parents refrain from eating to purify themselves for the ceremony. They pray that their daughter’s husband will care for her and never cause her pain. The groom's feet are washed, symbolizing respect and reverence for him as he takes on the responsibility of their daughter.
Pheras: The couple walks around the sacred fire as the priest recites mantras. This symbolizes the groom’s desires for a loving partnership and the support of his wife.
Saptapadi: The Saptapadi or seven steps is a crucial part of the Gujarati wedding. The couple circles the fire seven times, with each step accompanied by a mantra from the groom. Each step represents a vow, such as caring for the family, providing healthy food, managing finances, and supporting one another.
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Post-Wedding Rituals
Saubhagyavati Bhava and Vidaai: After the wedding, the elderly married women of the bride’s family whisper blessings into her ear. The Vidaai ceremony marks the bride’s departure to her new life with the groom. She leaves for his home in a decorated car, signaling the beginning of their shared journey.
Reception: Held soon after the wedding, the reception is an opportunity for friends, family, and well-wishers to bless the newlyweds. Guests enjoy a lavish meal and present the couple with gifts.
Ghar Nu Laxmi: The bride’s first step into her new home is considered a lucky omen. She is seen as the Ghar Nu Laxmi (the Goddess of Wealth), bringing prosperity to the home. The mother-in-law places a vessel filled with rice at the entrance, and the bride gently knocks it over with her right foot, symbolizing her acceptance of her new responsibilities and her role in bringing good fortune to the household.
Aeki-Beki: This playful ritual takes place at the groom's house in front of relatives. A tray of water mixed with milk and vermilion contains several coins and a ring. The couple must find the ring, and it is believed that the person who finds it first will be the "ruler" of the house.