Tina and Daniel invited me to be their Worsley Marriott Wedding Photographer by contacting me using my website form here. I didn’t hear anything for a week or so after my reply – it turns out that my email had gone into their spam folder! It turns out I needed to update some email settings at my end. With these technical issues resolved and normal communications established, we set about collating the details of their wedding day. Great colours, great sounds and great smells are the three great ingredients that combined to make this fantastic Hindu wedding. Tina and Daniel were kind enough to supply the following Hindu Wedding Guide:
Jaan Arrival
The groom, his family and friends arrive at the ceremony and await to be welcomed by the bride’s family.
Pakhwanu
The groom is welcomed with a short prayer performed by the bride’s mother. The bride’s family welcomes the groom’s family – the families embrace each other.
Ganesh Puja
The ceremony begins with a “puja” (prayer) to Lord Ganesh, the remover of all obstacles & provider of good luck.
Kanya Agman
A veil is drawn in front of the groom. The bride makes her grand entrance & is escorted down the aisle to meet the groom at the Mandap.
Jai Mala
The bride and groom exchange flower garlands. This symbolises their acceptance of one another as a life partner.
Kanya Daan
The bride’s parents give away their daughter by placing her right hand into the groom’s right hand, entrusting the groom to care for & protect her. The groom’s scarf is tied to the bride’s. This signifies their marital bond.
Agni Puja
The sacred fire signifies purity & a source of universal energy. The bride and groom complete four “pheras” (circles). The four basic goals of human life; Dharma, Artha, Kama & Moksha.
Kansar
The couple feed each other sweets signifying their first meal together and that they will share all things in life.
Mangal Sutra & Sindoor
The groom ties a “mangal sutra” (sacred necklace) around the bride’s neck & applies “sindoor” (red powder) in the parting of her hair to symbolise his commitment to her.
Saptapadi
The bride & groom take seven steps together. Each step signifies a vow that they promise to uphold together.
Aashirwad
The priest declares the couple as husband and wife and blesses them to have a happy and prosperous life together.
Vidaai
The bride’s family bids her farewell among tears of joy & sadness. She throws a fistful of rice behind her shoulder wishing for good health, wealth, happiness & prosperity.
Worsley Marriott Wedding Photographer
From the sound of the Indian Dhol drums through to the beautiful staging of the Mandap, the Hindu ceremony was a spectacle that embraced both Hindu and Western cultures (thanks in part to English translations) and all the guests were made to feel involved, rather than merely spectating. The civil ceremony that followed seemed dull by comparison, but necessary for legalities. We were lucky with the weather. It was a sweltering hot day, but there were a few rain showers which we managed to avoid for the group photographs. Then back inside for the wedding meal which was served on indian “thali” dishes filled with beautiful food which we enjoyed. – these dishes were enormous and the smell was amazing!
The Worsley Marriott provided a great setting for this Hindu wedding and we were made to feel so welcome by both families and their guests. The atmosphere for these celebrations were second to none, with love and smiles throughout. My warmest wishes to Tina and Daniel for their wedded life ahead of them.
If you are getting married and looking for a Worsley Marriott wedding photographer, please don’t hesitate to drop me a message…
