Suraj and Hennah

This is when Suraj will arrive at the wedding venue with a procession of his family and friends. The procession will mark its arrival with music and dancing. Suraj will be greeted by Hennah's family.

Hennah's family formally welcome Suraj into the wedding venue. This is done by Hennah's mum applying a tilak (red vermilion powder) on Suraj's forehead and he will then smash a clay pot with his right foot. This demonstrates that he has the power to overcome any obstacles that the couple may face in their married life. Suraj is then escorted to the mandap by Hennah's family. At this point Hennah's family will try and steal Suraj's shoes which he will have to pay for at the end of the Ceremony.

The ceremony starts by praying to Lord Ganesh asking for peace and harmony to prevail during the ceremony. Lord Ganesh’s blessings are sought for the auspicious beginning for Suraj and Hennah.

The bride’s parents perform a pooja where they wash the groom’s feet, offer flowers and madhuparka (a drink mixture of yogurt and honey).  At the end of the pooja, a veil of cloth (Antarpat) is held in front of Suraj to prevent him from seeing Hennah whilst she makes her entrance.

Hennah is escorted by her brother and maternal uncle to the wedding mandap. Once Hennah is at the mandap, the cloth in front of Suraj will be lowered allowing him to see Hennah

Hennah will place the first garland around Suraj declaring that she has chosen the groom on her own free will. Then Suraj will then return the compliment by placing a garland around Hennah welcoming her to a new life together and promising to look after her.

Suraj's shawl is tied to Hennah's shawl creating a knot. The knot symbolises the union of two souls joined together in holy matrimony. Then, Hennah's parents place a long sacred cotton thread called "Varmala" around both Suraj and Hennah bonding them spiritually.

Hennah's parents will be giving her away in marriage by placing her right hand on Suraj's right hand whilst the priest chants the verses. The ritual symbolizes the change in Hennah's role and identity from daughter to wife.

A small sacred fire is lit in the centre of the mandap inviting Agni (the fire God) to be the chief witness of the union. Then Suraj and Hennah circle the Agni four times know as the "pheras". This signifies the four main aims of life: Dharma (virtue), Artha (wealth), Kama (energy and passion) and Moksha (liberation).

Suraj and Hennah take seven steps to symbolise the beginning of their journey together for life. The couple takes a vow at the beginning of each step.

Suraj places sindhoor (red vermillion powder) on Hennah’s forehead and at the parting of her hair as a symbol of a married woman. A golden necklace with black beads is placed around Hennah's neck, signifying Suraj's love, integrity and respect for her.

"Kansar" is an exchange of sweets between Suraj and Hennah as a promise of fidelity and a symbolic gesture that they will provide for each other in their married life.

Married women from the family are invited to greet the couple and whisper in Hennah's right ear giving their blessings and good wishes of a blissful married life.

This symbolises the final stage of the wedding where Hennah's family bid farewell to her and Suraj. The family blesses them for a happily married life together.