In North Indian culture, the groom does not simply walk in. He arrives on a horse (or an elephant, or a luxury car) surrounded by dancing relatives and a live brass band playing deafening wedding tunes. The groom’s side dances their way to the gate, only to be greeted by the bride’s family.
: These are religious rituals performed to seek blessings from deities for a harmonious married life and to purify the environment. The Wedding Ceremony (Shaadi) Indian Wedding Traditions and Customs to Know - The Knot Madhuri Dixit Suhagrat Seen
At the entrance of the venue, the bride’s side greets the groom’s family. Male elders from both families exchange garlands and hugs. The bride’s mother then performs an Aarti (a ritual with a lamp) and applies a red tilak to the groom’s forehead, welcoming him like a god (specifically, Lord Rama). In North Indian culture, the groom does not simply walk in
Fire ( Agni ) is the eternal witness. A fire is kindled in the center of the mandap. All rituals are performed around this fire. The couple offers ghee , rice, and herbs into the flames, symbolizing the sacrifice of their individual desires for the joint household. : These are religious rituals performed to seek