The Indian Ceremony
SHEEL's procession
Sheel arrives in style accompanied with his family and friends in a lively procession filled with music, dance and colour!
SHEEL IS WELCOMED
Misha's family welcome Sheel into the ceremony. He will then step onto a Sampat (earthen pot) symbolising that he has the strength, determination and resolve to overcome any challenges he may face along the path of marriage.
BLESSING THE MANDAP
The mandap (four-pole canopy) is a sanctified area which represents the universe. This is where the main wedding ceremony will take place. Two young girls from each side will anoint the pillars with vermillion and rice to inaugurate the mandap.
WORSHIP OF LORD GANESH
The wedding ceremony commences with the worship of Lord Ganesh by Misha's family. Lord Ganesh's blessings are sought for an auspicious beginning for the couple and life ahead that awaits them.
MISHA'S ARRIVAL
Misha arrives with her bride squad meanwhile Sheel eagerly awaits to see her behind the Antarpat (white cloth).
EXCHANGE OF GARLANDS
The couple exchange Haars (flower garlands) and this signals the beginning of the ceremony that will invite Sheel and Misha as husband and wife.
JOINING HANDS & TYING THE KNOT
Misha's hand is placed into Sheel's hand, which he gracefully accepts. A knot is then tied between Misha and Sheel's scarf, signifying the unbreakable union between the couple.
circling the holy fire
The priest lights a sacred fire. Agni Devta (fire god) is invited as a divine witness to the ceremony. The couple circle around this fire four times, stopping to touch a stone in their path that symbolises obstacles they will overcome together.
The four times each represents mutual life goals:
(1) Dharma - duty and righteous living,
(2) Artha - happiness and prosperity,
(3) Karma - energy and compassion
(4) Moksha - completeness and spiritual liberation.
Before the fourth phera, Misha is gifted with a gharcholao (red sari) from Sheel's family thus welcoming her to the family.
After the fourth round whoever sits down first will lead the household!
seven sacred steps
Misha and Sheel recite seven vows (that we have written ourselves!) and take a step for each vow marked by touching a beetle nut with their toes:
1. I will always love and respect you
2. I will always listen without judgment
3. I will always seek spiritual, mental and physical growth with you
4. I will always support and protect you, through good and bad
5. I will always care for our children (especially Bali)
6. I will always find the time to laugh with you
7. We will always remain true friends
SYMBOLS OF MARRIAGE
Sheel places sindoor (vermillion) at the parting of Misha's hair and also ties a mangalsutra (sacred necklace) around her neck. This is a sign of his love and respect for her.
Bear with us, it might take Sheel a while to tie the necklace (good thing he's not a surgeon)
BLESSINGS
The newly weds will show a sign of respect to the priest and their elders by bowing to them
WEDDING GAME
Sheel and Misha will compete to find a ring in a deep thali (tray) filled with decoy objects. Whoever finds it first wins which sets the tone for the marriage!