Indian weddings are a vibrant and elaborate affair that are steeped in tradition and culture. While every region in India has its own unique wedding customs and traditions, there are some common themes and practices that are followed throughout the country. In this blog, we'll explore the diverse wedding cultures of India, starting from the north and working our way down to the south.

North India:

In North India, Hindu weddings are typically held in the evening and are conducted by a pandit (priest). The wedding ceremony is called a vivaah and is held in front of a sacred fire, or havan. The bride and groom exchange garlands as a symbol of their commitment to each other and the bride's father gives her hand in marriage to the groom.

One of the most iconic traditions of a North Indian wedding is the mehndi ceremony, where the bride and other female members of the family and bridal party have intricate henna designs applied to their hands and feet. The mehndi ceremony is typically held a day or two before the wedding and is a joyous occasion with music, dancing, and feasting.

Another important tradition in a North Indian wedding is the baraat, where the groom's family and friends travel to the wedding venue in a procession, accompanied by music and dancing. The groom is typically dressed in a sherwani, a traditional long coat, and rides a horse or elephant to the wedding venue.

South India:

In South India, Hindu weddings are typically held in the morning and are conducted by a brahmin (priest). The wedding ceremony is called a kalyanam and is held in a mandap, a sacred canopy. The bride and groom exchange flower garlands as a symbol of their commitment to each other and the bride's father gives her hand in marriage to the groom.

One of the most iconic traditions of a South Indian wedding is the mangalsutra ceremony, where the groom ties a mangalsutra, a sacred necklace, around the bride's neck. The mangalsutra is a symbol of the groom's commitment to the bride and is worn by the bride as a symbol of her marriage.

Another important tradition in a South Indian wedding is the kashi yatra, where the groom pretends to leave for the holy city of Kashi (also known as Varanasi) to become a monk. The bride's family tries to persuade him to stay and marry their daughter, and eventually, he agrees and the wedding ceremony takes place.

West India:

In West India, Hindu weddings are typically held in the evening and are conducted by a pandit. The wedding ceremony is called a vivaah and is held in a mandap. The bride and groom exchange flower garlands as a symbol of their commitment to each other and the bride's father gives her hand in marriage to the groom.

One of the most iconic traditions of a West Indian wedding is the haldi ceremony, where the bride and groom are covered in a paste made of turmeric, sandalwood, and rosewater. The haldi ceremony is believed to purify the bride and groom and bring them good luck.

Another important tradition in a West Indian wedding is the saat phere, where the bride and groom take seven rounds around the sacred fire, making vows to each other with each round. The saat phere is a symbol of the couple's commitment to each other and their journey together.