The Ceremony
Jun 4
2021
Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square
300 W Station Square Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
United States
marriott.com
Sirisha and Ryan are getting married in an elaborate Hindu ceremony with every step rooted in Vedic tradition, signifying various aspects of life that are to follow the wedding. The mandap (marriage stage) is decorated with flowers and with fire as witness, the Hindu ceremony begins.
1. Gowri Puja
In a private ceremony before the wedding, Sirisha performs a puja invoking the blessings of Goddess Gowri, representing power and womanhood, ensuring that she will have a long, prosperous, and happy married life.
2. Arrival of Groom
Ryan is escorted to the mandap by his parents, and is greeted by Sirisha’s parents. Sirisha’s mother performs a welcoming ritual, and Sirisha’s brother leads Ryan onto the mandap. A cloth screen is held in front of Ryan, preventing him from seeing his future wife until their auspicious time of marriage.
3. Arrival of Bride
Sirisha enters the ceremony room escorted by her sisters to the mandap. She seats herself on the opposite side of the screen from Ryan.
4. Kanya Daan
In the Hindu religion, the Kanya Daan is considered the most magnificent offering Sirisha’s parents can make. It symbolizes Sirisha in the form of the Goddess Lakshmi and Ryan as Lord Vishnu. Sirisha’s parents offer her hand in marriage to Ryan, placing the care of their cherished daughter in his hands. Ryan accepts Sirisha as his equal partner and agrees to marry her.
5. Sumuhurtham
Sirisha and Ryan place a paste of brown sugar, turmeric powder, and cumin on each other’s head. These three ingredients represent their commitment to each other through sweet and bitter times. The cloth screen between the couple is then removed, signifying that the two are now married!
6. Maangalyadhaarana
A gold pendent strung on a sacred thread is tied around the neck in three knots. These three knots represent the Holy Trinity of the Hindu religion: Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer. Sirisha and Ryan then exchange garlands. The exchange of garlands symbolized their unification as one soul in two bodies.
7. Talambraalu
Sirisha and Ryan shower each other with turmeric coated rice and pearls to ensure long life, prosperity, and happiness.
8. Brahma Mudi
The ends of the saree pallu of the bride and the uttariya (dupatta) of the groom are tied together, signifying the union of their souls in the presence of their family and friends.
9. Agni Saakshi
Sirisha and Ryan invite Lord Agni, the messenger to the heavens, who appears in the form of a holy fire. They throw rice into the fire and pray for their happiness and prosperity. Sirisha and Ryan walk around the Holy Fire three times to acknowledge Agni as a witness to their marriage.
10. Saptapadi
The newly married couple take seven steps around the fire. With each step, they take a vow to:
1) Acquire the energy to share the responsibilities of married life
2) Fill their hearts with the strength to accomplish all needs of life
3) Work for the prosperity of their family
4) Cherish each other in happiness and in sorrow
5) Raise strong and virtuous children
6) Fill their hears with joy, peace, and spiritual values
7) Always remain life partners and true friends
11. Arundhati Dharshanam
The priest takes the couple outside. Sirisha shows Ryan the double stars of Vashista and Arundhati as an idea couple, symbolic of marital fulfilment and loyalty. Ryan and Sirisha are asked to look up at the constellation symbolizing conjugal love and affection. They pray to obtain their blessings.
12. Maha-Aashirvadam (Conclusion)
The priest blesses the newly married couple and their parents. Everyone present blesses the couple by showering them with rose petals as they leave the room.
To our beloved family and friends who are unable to be with us in person, please know that you will be present in our hearts. We hope that you will join us to watch our ceremony from afar!