EARLY MORNING- APPROX 6AM

Morning Satsang (Optional)  - (Sacred gathering) Early Morning prayers offered to Guru, Shree Radha and Krishna along with Aarti (light offering).

 Kuarpat Ceremony – Children are fed Kheer (rice pudding) by the mothers of the bride and groom in a ceremony marking the end of the bride and groom's youth. The bride and groom are also asked by their respective mothers if the bride and groom are ready to let go of their youth to step into adulthood.  

Note :Watch out guests!! A frenzy of turmeric splashing games may begin after the last Haldi rituals are completed. Indian weddings do involve light-hearted fun, so we encourage you to not wear expensive clothes if attending this morning session, as you may be targeted too!  

Vegetarian Brunch is served and then Rest Break

MID AFTERNOON - TIME TBA

Nechu Ceremony - Both the mothers have their toenails painted and feet decorated. The mothers perform rituals using mango leaves and bless the bride and the groom before they get dressed.  Arti to Nrshingha Dev (half lion, half man Lord - slayer of our inner demon; protects devotees of Lord Krishna)

Start of the wedding begins with Nagada (bass drum) being played by performers to alert the village that the wedding is about to commence. Family members (of groom especially) dance in joy to the beat of the drums to celebrate the occasion of bringing the bride to their home.   

 Main Wedding Ceremony (rituals) Dwar Pooja (entrance prayer) - On the arrival of the groom and his family, the bride's father welcomes and greets the guests at the entrance. The bride and groom’s fathers perform a prayer and hawan (small fire ritual) near the main entrance for a successful event. The males of the two families hug and lift each other to show camaraderie. The groom takes off his shoes before entering the residence and it becomes the responsibility of the younger brother - Saibala (Stuart Pelgrave) to take care of the shoes for the remainder of the wedding, while the unmarried sisters and friends from bride’s side take the task of stealing the shoes for a ransom. This play brings the family together and creates a fun environment to tease each other in a healthy manner.   

Swagatam - Welcoming of the Groom: The groom is officially welcomed by the bride’s mother & other married women by waving the celestial lamp and sprinkling water over him. The ladies also throw bits of dough in the four directions representing north, south, east and west. The word "Parchan" means "examination" and here the womenfolk from the bride's family and friends get the first opportunity to see and admire the groom before the bride does.  Mother of the bride performs a small ritual in which her blessings are bestowed to her new son in law. The groom steps forward onto a small clay bowl, crushing it to demonstrate the strength, ability and determination needed to overcome any obstacles that he and the bride may face in future.   

Shree Ganesh Poojan - The ceremony begins with an invitation to Lord Ganesh (Veidic Deity of good fortune, prosperity and remover of all obstacles and impediments). Var Poojan

- In Hinduism, the donation giver (bride’s parents) are a form of God and the donation receiver (groom’s parents) are also a form of God. Therefore, the bride parents’ show their appreciation to the groom by offering Aasan, water Honey and Yoghurt drink, and Sandalwood powder.

Kanya Aagaman – Arrival and welcome of the bride. The priest sings an auspicious Mantra known as Mangalaastak while the bride is escorted to the wedding canopy (Mandap) by her brother and her friends.   

Samanjan (facing each other) & Jai Maala: The bride and groom place garlands over one another symbolising commitment to each other as lifelong partners. The garland is a symbol of good emotions and the thread is a medium to secure these emotions. As the priest recites the appropriate mantras, the bride and groom are instructed to look at each other. Then they both stand facing each other. The bride then places the “garland of victory” on the groom who in turn garlands her. It is customary for songsters to sing songs reminiscent of the time when Lord Rama and Mother Sita garlanded each other as depicted in the Ramayana (holy text).    

Kanyadaan and Hasta Milap: The parents of the bride give their daughter’s hand to the groom’s hand. This signifies acceptance of one another and their families equally. The bride’s father then offers the following words to the groom “I offer to you my most precious gift of my daughter to take as your wife, to cherish and to protect”. The bride’s parents “give away” (Kanyadaan) or donate the bride to the groom. This is one of the noblest acts they will perform in their lifetime. 

Paaw Puja: The bride is now directed to sit on the right side of the groom. Her parents then adore them both by washing their feet.   Paani Grahan (grasping of the bride’s hands by the groom): The groom holds the bride’s hands and prays as follows “I take your hand for happiness; may God grant us his/her blessings.” The ceremony is symbolic of the groom taking charge and responsibility of the bride.  

Agni Poojan – Invitation to the Vedic Fire Deity. Agni, the God of Fire, is a symbol of purity. Lord Agni acts as one of the major witnesses to the ceremony. Offerings are made with the utterance of the term “Swaha” (Sanskrit for "so be it").  The marriage life begins with a fire sacrifice, symbolising sacrifice of individual ego and the promise to work for mutual spiritual benefits. Offerings are made to the Demi- Gods of fire, water, rain, earth, sky, air etc. and also to the Gods who make married life happy, such as Kamdev (Krishna's incarnation - God of Human Love & Desire).  

Mangal Phera – holy steps around sacred Fire: The bride and the groom make sacred vows around Agni, to work together in union to achieve the four goals of human life. The four goals include:

1.     Dharma: Living morally - the "right way of living" (righteousness and moral values)

2.     Artha: Prosperity in their career, purpose towards self, the family and the community (economic values) 3.     Kaam: Pleasure and Love (psychological values)

4.     Moksha: Ultimate purpose of life is to return to Godhead by practicing Bhakti - devotional practice (spiritual values) At the end of each circle, the bride’s brother gives the bride pop-rice to offer to Lord Agni. This symbolises the bride’s transition to the groom’s family. Shila Rohan - Feet on a stone: The bride and the groom place their right foot onto a stone, signifying that just as a stone grinds grains to dust, so will the strength of their love for each other crush any adversities during their married life.

Saptapadi - The seven sacred steps: The bride and the groom take seven steps together witnessed by the sacred fire, each step signifying a vow to one another that they will;

1)    Provide food and nourishment to each other and their families.

2)    Ensure good health, physical and psychological wellbeing for one another.

3)    Earn an honest living, acquire possessions rightly and manage the household together.

4)    Bring honour and respect to their home and the community.

5)    Provide each other with companionship and friendship.

6)    Staying happy and loyal.

7)    Becoming one in their spiritual practice.  

Sindoor Daan: The groom places Sindoor (vermilion – bright red powder) on the parting of the bride’s hair, marking her as a married woman. The red sindoor is significant for the married woman as she is full of colour. Spiritual significance: According to the legends, Shree Radha, the consort of Lord Krishna turned the kumkum into a flame-like design on her forehead.   Mangalsutra: Is a sacred necklace made of black beads (Onyx) worn by a married woman. It signifies the husbands love, integrity and devotion. The groom places it around the bride’s neck. The practice of wearing mangalsutra enhances the well-being of her husband.  

Taag Paat: - Groom's brother (Tim Pelgrave) enters the Mandap and adorns the bride with a sacred yarn called Taag Paat which symbolically represents his willingness to take the full responsibility of an elder brother or father figure during the bride's married life.   

Kansarbhaksha: The bride and groom offer each other sweets, signifying their first meal together, whereby the emotions of trust, sincerity and love are promised. The mothers of the bride and groom organise playful games like finding the bangles etc to initiate playfulness between the bride and the groom.  

Ashirvad – Blessings by the bride and the groom’s parents are offered to the newlyweds, wishing them marital bliss and happiness. Guests are invited to offer their blessings by throwing rice and flowers on the new couple.      

Evening Vegetarian Meal and Guest Entertainment