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The Wedding Ceremony

A Marathi wedding is a vibrant celebration full of meaningful traditions. Below is a broad, step-by-step explanation of the main rituals in a traditional Marathi wedding ceremony.

1. Punyahavachan
• Meaning: Punyahavachan is a purificatory ritual performed to sanctify the space and invoke blessings from the deities for the upcoming wedding.
• What Happens: The priest recites mantras to cleanse the environment and to seek divine grace for a smooth and auspicious ceremony. The families of the bride and groom participate, symbolically offering their prayers for the couple’s prosperous future.

2. Vivah Mangalashtake
• Meaning: “Mangalashtake” are auspicious verses recited during the wedding to bless the couple.
• What Happens: The priest or family members chant these verses (often in a call-and-response pattern), and the bride and groom typically hold a curtain or “antarpat” between them, symbolizing they have not yet formally seen each other during the ceremony.

3. Sutra Vestan
• Meaning: “Sutra” means a sacred thread, and “vestan” refers to the act of wearing or tying it.
• What Happens: In some traditions, the groom may don the sacred thread (yajnopavit) if he does not already wear it. It signifies a commitment to religious and familial responsibilities. In other variations, both bride and groom may have a protective thread tied on their wrists as a ritual of safeguarding.
 

4. Kanya Daan
• Meaning: “Kanya” means daughter (the bride), and “daan” means giving or donation.
• What Happens: The bride’s parents ceremonially “give away” their daughter to the groom, entrusting her into his care and officially uniting the families. This is considered one of the most sacred moments in the wedding.
 

5. Kankana Ganapati Pujan
• Meaning: “Kankana” refers to a small sacred thread or bracelet, and Ganapati (Lord Ganesha) is worshipped for the removal of obstacles.
• What Happens: The priest ties a small thread or bracelet (kankana) around the wrist of the bride and groom, and a puja (worship) is performed to Lord Ganapati. This symbolizes protection and an invocation of blessings for a problem-free union.

6. Mangalsutra and Alankar Dharan
• Meaning: “Mangalsutra” is the sacred necklace the groom ties around the bride’s neck, and “alankar” means ornaments. “Dharan” means to wear.
• What Happens: The groom ties the Mangalsutra around the bride’s neck, marking her new marital status. Sometimes the bride and groom also exchange garlands and other ornaments, signifying respect and acceptance of each other as life partners.

7. Havan
• Meaning: A havan is a fire ritual (homam) central to many Vedic ceremonies, symbolizing the divine witness to the vows.
• What Happens: The bride and groom (guided by the priest) offer grains, ghee, and other items into the sacred fire while mantras are chanted. The fire is considered a sacred witness to their vows and sanctifies the union.

8. Kanpili Sanskar
• Meaning: “Kanpili” refers to a short ritual involving the ear, though exact customs may vary by region or family tradition.
• What Happens: Traditionally, this can be a symbolic act such as gently touching or whispering blessings in the bride’s or groom’s ear. In some variations, it can be a moment of blessing or instruction passed from elders to the bride and groom.

9. Saptapadi
• Meaning: “Sapta” means seven, and “padi” means steps. These are the seven steps or vows taken by the couple around the sacred fire.
• What Happens: The bride and groom take seven symbolic steps together, each step representing a vow—mutual support, love, fidelity, respect, and shared responsibility in household and spiritual life.

10. Ashirvaad
• Meaning: “Ashirvaad” means blessings.
• What Happens: After the Saptapadi, the newly married couple seeks the blessings of the elders, family members, and the priest. This marks the conclusion of the main wedding rites, as everyone gives good wishes for a harmonious and prosperous marriage.

The day is filled with traditional music, bright attire, and delicious food, bringing together family and friends to celebrate the love and new beginnings of the bride and groom.​