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The Arya Samaj practice the teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati which is based on the fundamental belief of eternal truths propounded in the ageless Vedas. It functions with the singular endeavor and that is to “Make This World Noble”- "Krinvanto Vishvam Aryam".
The wedding is performed by adhering to the teachings of the ancient Vedas of Hindu culture. A usual Arya Samaj wedding is not an extravagant ceremony. The wedding consists of Havan (fire worship) and marks the transition of the couple from Brahmacharaya (the state of celibacy) to Grihastashram (the life of a married person). The wedding ceremony is carried out according to Arya Marriage Validation Act XIX of 1937. As Arya Samaj doesn't believe in idolatry, no particular deity is worshipped. Fire and other elements become witnesses to the ceremony.
Pre-Wedding Rituals Ladies Sangeet: This is a ceremony celebrated by brides female family and friends which is held at the brides residence some days before the wedding. The ladies rejoice by singing wedding and folk songs and dancing.
Mehendi: The Mehendi ceremony is usually held at the brides home which is celebrated on the eve of the wedding. The bride is anointed with a paste of sandlewood and turmeric powder (this is a cleansing and purification process) before mehendi is applied on the her hands and feet. A mehendi artist applies the henna paste in beautiful and intricate designs to the brides hands and feet. This is a joyous occasion where the other female guests also applies mehendi to their hands. Delicious snacks are enjoyed by the guests.
Brahmbhoj: Brahmbhoj is an unique ritual performed on the morning of the wedding. Sixteen Brahmins are invited to part take in meals as this is considered auspicious.
Phoolon Kaa Gehna (Flower jewelry):This is when the bride adorns herself with jewelry made of flowers. This is not a compulsory ritual.Choodha and Nath Ceremony: This ceremony is performed on the day of the wedding when the bride’s maternal uncle gifts her with a nose ring. He then adorns her hands with 21 red ivory bangles. The number 21 and the colour red is considered auspicious.
Swagat Vidhi (Introduction-Welcome): This is the welcome ritual. Welcome and greetings are extended to the bridegroom, bride, family and friends.
Kanya Agaman (Arrival of the Bride): The brides is escorted down the aisle by her father and they proceed towards the Mandap (nuptial canopy).
Varmala/ Jai Mala ki kriya Exchange of Garlands: The bride and groom garland each other with flowers. This exchange symbolizes formal acceptance and respect.
Prarthna Mantra (Prayer): The Gayatri mantra (sacred chant) is chanted to invoke the blessings of the supreme Lord.
Madhupak se Satkaar: This is ritual is fulfilled when the bride offers a mixture of honey and yogurt to the groom. Honey symbolizes the sweetness of eternal love and yogurt for the sake of his eternal good health and nutrition.
Thread Ceremony: The groom is made to wear a scared thread.
Aachman (Purification): This is when the bride and groom sips water three times for the purification of the heart and body.
Agni Pradipan / Vishesh Havana: This is a special yagna (fire sacrifice) performed by the priest as per the Arya Samaj rites. The wedding is conducted before Agni (fire), the symbol of knowledge, power, and purity, as a principle witnesses to the ceremony. Fire is the purest of all elements of nature, hence a vow taken in front of the fire is always regarded as very strong and unbreakable.
Kanya Daan: This ritual is performed by the Bride’s parents who will place her hands into the Groom’s and pour holy water over them to sanctify the gesture of entrusting the brides well being over to the Groom. A daughter (Kanya) in a household is considered the prime wealth, who symbolizes Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth). The bride’s father wishes that the Groom accepts his daughter as an equal partner in all walks of life. It is noted in Vedic scriptures that there is no "Daana" (gift) that is more important and significant than Kanya Daan (giving a daughters hand in marriage). The groom promises to accept Bride as his equal life partner.
Jaya Home (Fire Offerings): The bridal couple make offerings to sacred fire symbolizing their joint responsibility in maintaining the love and dignity of their union.
Paani Graham (Accepting the Hand): The bridegroom holds the hand of the bride and both of them solemnly pledge before God that they have become one and will forever love each other and remain mutually devoted for the remainder of their lives.
Pratigya Mantra (Pledges and exchange of vows): This ritual solemnizes the marriage. The bride and bridegroom exchange the holy marriage vows. These vows signify commitment and are considered sacred. Shila Rohan: The brother of the bride places her right foot on a rock which is placed in the north east comer of the Mandap, while Groom recites a hymn the Ashma Bhava. This signifies the brother’s blessings and encourages his sister to be a wife that is strong as the rock, to be firm towards any difficulties of life that they may face together. Rice and flowers are sprinkled on the couple by her parents, relatives and friends.
Parikarma: During this ceremony, t he couple go around the sacred fire four times. As the bride go around the fire she prays for a healthy happy marriage.
Saptapadi (Seven steps): The bride and groom take seven steps forward together, symbolizing the beginning of their journey through life. These steps signify the guiding principles of life.
Sindoor Daan: The bridegroom applies Sindhoor (Red Powder) in the parting of the bride's hair three times and welcomes her into his life as his eternal partner. The sindhoor symbolizes marriage. The newly wedded couple touches the feet and takes blessings from the parents of both families.
Dhruv Darshan: The newly weds view the dhruv or pole star which symbolizes consistency. It also signifies direction from the star as they embark upon journey of newly married life.
Suryanamaskar: This is a ritual performed by the newly married couple when they worship another element of nature - the sun for good health and prosperity for their conjugal life.
Post-Wedding celebrationReception: This is usually held in a banquet hall or the wedding hall itself where delicious meals are served and shared with the guests.
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