Click on images to see bigger pictures. I have tried to explain the rituals in the pics; if there are any inaccuracies, forgive me, and I’d be grateful if you suggested corrections. Suman.





The wedding area. Consists of the couple, priest, and a holy fire. It is decorated with Jasmine and other flowers.





I wash her feet. I don’t know what this ritual signifies.

A solution of lime and turmeric powder with a little colour is poured on a plate, circled around the couple, and thrown away to ward off the evil eye. This is done a number of times throughout the entire wedding ceremony, and at the end.

Circling Sacred Fire: Bride and Groom circle 7 times, may offer rice, etc. to the fire, representing prosperity of life and fertility.



Placing Sacred Necklace: “Mangalya Dharana” (Groom places “Mangal Sutra” around bride’s neck and “Sindoor” (red powder) in the part of her hair. These offerings signify the marks of a married woman and act as symbols of the husband’s love, integrity and devotion



Showing my bride the Arundhati star: The bride groom shows his wife the Arundhati star and also Dhruva, the pole-star. Arundhati, the wife of Vasishta Maharishi, is regarded the ideal wife, pure and chaste and Dhruva is the one who attained immortality through his devotion and perseverance. These virtues have to be emulated throughout married life.



Chitra and I, after the wedding.

(Some more pics taken by Prakash on http://sumankumar.com )