Saptapadi

Sneha & Hitesh

Indian Wedding Destinations Europe Photographer

When talking about a Hindu marriage, one of the oldest ceremonies dating back to the year 2000 BC, it must be understood that it refers not only to the union of two people, but to that of two families.

A ceremony full of traditions and meanings, from the wedding dress called Sari, the tattoos on hands and feet, the jewels on the wedding hairstyle and, above all, the symbol of fire and the votes in Sanskrit, which make it a Sacred ceremony, demonstrating the importance given to marriage, which can even be extended with celebrations before and after the wedding day.

The meaning

The ceremony has as its core the Vedas, which are the sacred writings and the heart of the culture; besides having three almost universal rituals: Kanyadaan, when the father delivers his daughter; Panigraham, when the bride and groom hold hands near the fire that union represents for them; and Saptapadi, which is the most important ritual and that is when the seven steps are taken in front of the fire, each step corresponds to a vote of the groom towards the bride and vice versa. Vows are traditionally said in Sanskrit, although they can also be pronounced in the language of the couple.

However, two or three days before the marriage begins, the bride is painted in elaborate designs of henna or mehndi, covering her hands and feet; ritual that refers to the initiation of the bride in her new stage and is known as the engagement ceremony. Most of the designs are related to good luck, love, happiness, fertility and protection from evil spirits.