Indian Wedding (Brief)

Indian weddings are branched out into many kinds which differ significantly according to religion, caste, belief or language spoken. Fundamentally, all Indian wedding ceremonies are rich in rituals and traditions with the involvement of a Brahmin priest except for the Dravidian Indian wedding that would be conducted without a priest and mantras but all the rituals carried out will be explained by an elderly in a medium that is understandable to all. The classic musical instrument, “Nadaswaram” will be played throughout the occasion to bring glory and grace to the function.

The “thali”-tying ceremony is the most magnificent of all as it is referred as a holy thread by Indians, and this sacred string will be tied around the bride’s neck by the groom with three (3) knots that represent God Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. “Thali” is also called “Mangalyam” in Sanskrit or “Mangalasutra” in Hindi, interpreted as an auspicious symbol. The string of “thali” could either be in thread or gold and the locket would be gold or in ancient time turmeric was used to replace the golden locket for the poor. Another vital ritual is to walk around the bonfire (agni) seven times that symbolizes the bond and togetherness for seven births respectively. The most favourite part of the marriage loved by most women is to watch or experience the groom to put toe rings for the bride. Close family members and relatives play vital roles in one’s wedding to give blessings and to guide. Parents and elders would give their blessings when the newlyweds prostrate. Then, they will be asked to exchange flower garlands and rest on the decorated chaise lounge for a photography session.     

Proper costume for an Indian wedding in general, is saree or lengga for the bride and dhoti or kurta for the groom. Usually the designed costumes especially for brides could be found in a wide range of prices from RM1k at minimal cost. A decent Indian wedding would approximately require RM50k excluding the expenditure for jewels and textiles. Traditionally, dowry is a very popular word in the Indian wedding, which is brought by the bride to groom in cash form or properties. However, eventually this practice has been decreasing as more love marriages are done and everything is being negotiated due to a good mutual understanding between families. At present, wedding gifts are wrapped fabulously and presented in an eye-catching appearances placed in the copper or silver trays that might consist of sweet-meats, clothes, jewelleries, coconuts, betel leaves and nuts and in the modern world technological gadgets or honeymoon packages. Decoration on the big day is expensive and important to add shine to the place, event, and car which is done according to taste. Normally, the halls will be decorated with lord Ganesha’s statues, flowers and ribbons. The main highlight is the “manavarai”( the decorated chaise lounge) where the couples will be seated in the opposite direction of the guests to receive cash gifts, presents and for snap shots.

Displaying pre-wedding shoots in Indian wedding reception is a norm nowadays to avoid the guests from getting bored whilst videography is started before the commencement of the function and continues until it’s fully finishes. There are numerous of photography packages available in the market for any purposes for instance, outdoor, indoor shoots or storybook albums and more to discover based on budget. Photography is a drawing of events in a way that acts like a time machine after a while. It helps people to reflect back to golden old days, to visualize the meaningful event and get a great sense of satisfaction and pleasure by looking at it. The photo albums are definitely something that have been awaited for long by every family curiously after each event. Photography casts the essence of eloquence to the soiree.  With the existence of an excellent art called photography, everything now could be recorded accurately for the future use.