Traditional Hindu wedding is full of
rituals and custom. On the main day the
wedding lasts for hours, there are a number
of ceremonies that are usually held on
separate days preceding the wedding. Among
all the main day wedding rituals
kanyadaan is a vital and significant
ritual. Kanyadaan is
a ritual in which the bride's father entrust
her daughter to the groom.
Before the wedding is held the bride's
parents have to promise to give their
daughter away and the groom's parents
have to accept the girl as their son's
wife. On the main day of the function
consent of the parents is obtained for
the wedding to proceed. In the ritual
of kanyadaan the bride's
parents normally her father and in his
absence any elderly relative give their
daughter to the groom by putting the bride's
right hand into the groom's right hand
(Hastamelap, which means joining of hands)
while reciting sacred verse.
Kanyadan (‘gift of a maiden’)
is the giving away of the bride by her
parents, and Panigrahan is the acceptance
of her hand by the groom. In the Hindu
belief system, the giving of a daughter
to the groom’s family is considered
to be the greatest possible dana (sacred
gift).
Kanyadan is performed by both parents
of the bride. They place both hands of
their daughter in the hands of the groom.
He formally accepts her hands in marriage.
Then the bride and groom place a garland
around each other’s neck and recite
prayers. After this ceremony, responsibility
for the bride is transferred from her
parents to her husband and his family.
The curtain separating the bride and
groom is then removed and then the couple
exchange flower garlands. When the father
of the bride gives away his daughter to
the groom, followed by the offering of
gifts and presents. Then the elders of
the family place an auspicious white cotton
cord around the couple's shoulder's to
protect them from ill omen since cotton
signifies unity, the bride and the groom
shower each other with rice. This ritual
is a symbol of couple's bond and love.
The groom holds the bride's hand and they
both take vows to love, be loyal, committed
and protect each other throughout their
life. Hindu wedding is all about tradition
and rituals. And each of the rituals and
customs are followed with utmost dedication
and faith.