Planning and designing the Hindu wedding of our lovely couple Rawina and Nichant in Santorini was an amazing experience for both the couple and us, as we had the chance to delve into the spiritual essence of the Hindu culture and the deep symbolisms that evoke through Indian marriage traditions! In this post, we are going to follow the wonderful journey of Rawina and Nichant from the pre-wedding ceremonies to their beautiful and emotional wedding day!
Indian weddings are known for their vibrant colors, intricate rituals, and joyous celebrations. Before the grand nuptial ceremony and reception, there are several pre-wedding ceremonies that hold deep cultural significance. These events, including the Mehendi, Sangeet, and Haldi ceremonies, are not only about fun and festivities but also carry profound symbolism. Planning and designing this amazing Hindu wedding in Santorini, we had the chance to merge all these eastern spiritual ceremonies, with the breathtaking beauty of the Aegean Sea and the picturesque Cycladic architecture of Santorini. So, without further delay, let’s explore the beauty and symbolism behind the cherished pre-wedding rituals that took place in this amazing Hindu wedding in Santorini.
The Mehendi ceremony is a delightful event celebrated with dance, music, and intricate henna art. Rawina’s hands and feet were adorned with beautiful henna designs, with many of the female guests also participating in this artful tradition. The ceremony symbolizes the transition of a girl into womanhood and marks the start of the wedding festivities. The use of henna is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and protection from evil spirits. The darker the henna color, the stronger the bond between the bride and her new family, signifying a harmonious relationship with her mother-in-law and husband.
The Sangeet ceremony is a joyous and also a women-centric occasion filled with music, dance, and laughter. Traditionally part of North Indian weddings, it has gained popularity across the country. Sangeet serves as a way for the families of the bride and groom to bond, celebrate, and alleviate wedding jitters. It also symbolizes the blending of two families and the joyous anticipation of the upcoming union. Themes and dance performances are meticulously prepared, adding to the excitement and creating unforgettable memories.
The Haldi ceremony is among the most enjoyable events during an Hindu wedding. In this ritual, a paste of turmeric (haldi) is applied to the bodies of the bride and groom on the morning of their wedding day. The mixture, known by various names in different regions, is believed to beautify and cleanse the couple, while the yellow color is considered auspicious and a symbol of purity and fertility. Additionally, haldi has antiseptic properties, which are thought to protect the couple from any illnesses before their wedding. Watching Rawina and Nichant going through this meaningful ritual together made us shiver from the strong vibes of spiritual union and commitment!
These pre-wedding ceremonies hold a profound cultural significance in Hindu weddings. Each ritual is symbolic of different aspects of marital life and is believed to bless the couple with happiness, prosperity, and a successful married life. The colorful and artistic Mehendi represents beauty, grace, and transformation. The lively and exuberant Sangeet brings together the families and signifies unity, love, and the joy of being part of a new family. The golden Haldi ceremony symbolizes purity, protection, and well-being for the couple, preparing them for the journey ahead.
The Baraat: The Grand Procession
The Baraat, also known as the groom’s wedding procession, is a vibrant and jubilant affair. The groom, dressed in a Sherwani and Churidars, rides an elephant or a majestic white horse, representing his regal entry into married life. This procession signifies the groom’s willingness to leave his family and embark on a new journey with his bride. The singing, dancing, and traditional well wishes were expressed at this point as a prelude to the blissful marital life that Nichant and Rawina will have! The entrance of Nichant was a truly impressing moment as he looked radiant inside his traditional costume, Kafni, a long shirt extending to the knees, with Pijamo, leggings. Nichant also wore a turban that elevated even more the traditional vibes of his attire!
At the wedding altar, the bride and groom exchange JaiMalas, floral garlands, symbolizing their acceptance of each other as life partners. The garlands represent the exchange of love and respect between the couple and their families. The colorful flowers exchanged between Rawina and Nichant were a symbol of their blossoming relationship and the beauty of their eternal bond!
The Mandap is a sacred canopy representing the universe under which the wedding ceremony takes place. The four pillars decorated with flowers symbolize the four parents of the couple and their blessings. The presence of both sets of parents and siblings at the Mandap emphasizes the significance of family in Hindu weddings.
The Mangalphera is the pivotal ritual where the couple walks around the sacred fire seven times, symbolizing their seven vows or promises to each other. As they take each step, they make commitments to support and cherish one another in various aspects of life, including love, respect, and companionship. The sacred fire is considered a witness to their vows, and the Pandit’s chanting of verses adds to the sanctity of the moment.
After the Mangalphera, the groom applies Sindoor, a red-orange powder, to the bride’s forehead. The Sindoor represents the bride’s status as a married woman and is applied by the husband on the wedding day. The Mangalsutra, a necklace of gold and black beads, is then tied around the bride’s neck by the groom, symbolizing their marital bond and commitment to each other. It also signifies the groom’s acceptance of his responsibility to protect and care for his bride
The Saptapadi is a crucial ritual where the couple takes seven steps together, representing the seven vows they make to build a harmonious life together. With each step, they promise to support each other in their mental, physical, and spiritual growth, as well as in their pursuit of prosperity, happiness, and knowledge. This ritual emphasizes the importance of mutual love, respect, and understanding in a successful marriage and was one of the most meaningful moments of this wedding event!
Now, its time to talk about the post-wedding celebrations and the wedding reception that took place to celebrate the couple’s union. For this beautiful decoration, we used a nude pallet of colors in order to put emphasis on the flowers and on the elegant yet glamorous décor de la table! An Indian wedding menu is often served in a buffet style!
A typical menu might feature seven to 10 appetizers followed by four or five main entrées, plus rice, yogurt, salad, and naan, a type of bread! As for the desserts, cookies, halva, and other sweet delicacies are served.
After the wedding, the families hold the Aashirwad ceremony, exchanging gifts and blessings. Elders from both families come forward to offer their heartfelt blessings to the newlyweds, wishing them a life filled with happiness, prosperity, and togetherness. This tradition reflects the deep-rooted belief in seeking the blessings and guidance of elders and the importance of family in the couple’s journey and was a great epilogue of this amazing Hindu wedding in Santorini!
Planning and organizing this amazing event made us reflect on the true meaning of a wadding and the purity that ancient traditions can add to a wedding Ceremony! As experienced wedding planners in Santorini, we will be thrilled to guide you through designing your own Hindu wedding in Santorini and experience the true essence of love and union as Rawina and Nichant did!
DW Destination Weddings & Events is a creative event planning company based in Santorini, Greece, specialized in luxury events.
We focus to plan the wedding that reflects your desires and exceed the expectations!
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