Intricate and thoughtfully planned, Hindu weddings are a beautiful display of family lineage and a celebration of the union between bride and groom. Traditional ceremonies incorporate age-old rituals, a saturated rainbow of colors and a blend of cultures to represent the couple.

With over 30 distinct cultures in South Asia, no two Indian weddings will ever be exactly the same. The cultural nuances determine specific wedding traditions and can be combined with more Americanized customs in fusion weddings.

In Hinduism, weddings bear great significance. The faithful believe marriages are made in heaven. Once a couple is married, they are bound to each other for seven lifetimes. Each ceremony performed over the duration of a Hindu wedding holds a deep spiritual meaning and philosophical importance.

How Long Does a Hindu Wedding Last?

Traditional Hindu weddings last an average of three days.

Day One: Mehndi – An evening usually reserved for the bride and her loved ones to have henna applied

Day Two: Sangeet – An evening where both families meet for the first time and celebrate with song and dance

Day Three: Wedding ceremony and reception – The final day when the nuptials are performed, and the couple is wed

How Many Guests Attend?

Hindu weddings are no small affair. From close friends to distant relatives near and far, everyone is invited to join the wedding festivities. Some couples may even invite entire communities from their hometowns. Attendance ranges from 150 to 200 on the smaller side and 500 to 600 for average (and much larger) weddings. Ultimately, it comes down to the couple and who they hope to be surrounded by on their special day.

Families looking for beautiful wedding venues in the Washington, D.C. metro area that can accommodate large Hindu weddings should learn more about CrystalView. Please contact us to schedule a tour.

The Hindu Wedding Ceremony Timeline

The third day represents the physical, emotional and spiritual union of the bride and groom and the joining together of their two families. The wedding ceremony is the most anticipated event of the week and can often be the most structured out of the three days. During the formal ceremony, Hindu traditions are extremely important and necessary for the couple’s marriage to be solidified.

Most Hindu wedding ceremonies follow a similar timeline:

1. The Baraat – The parade for the groom and his family
2. Pokwanu – The bride's family welcomes the groom and applies tilak to his forehead
3. Ganesh Puja – The prayers to Lord Ganesh to remove all obstacles before beginning the ceremony
4. Vaarpooja – The bride’s parents wash the groom’s feet
5. Kanya Aagman – The bride enters as she is escorted by her maternal uncle(s)
6. Granthibandan – The groom’s scarf is tied to the bride’s shawl, symbolizing the union of two souls
7. Kanyadan - The bride’s parents “give her away” by placing their daughter’s hand on the groom’s
8. Havan – The sacred fire is lit in the center of the altar (mandap)
9. Mangal Fera – The couple circles the fire four times as the priest recites mantras
10. Saptapadi – The bride and groom must take seven steps and take a vow at the beginning of each step
11. Sindur and Mangal Sutra – The groom places red powder on the part of the bride’s hair and a necklace around her neck
12. Akhand Saubhagyavati – Married women are invited to whisper blessings in the bride's ear
13. Aashirwad – The couple receives blessings from the priest and their loved ones
14. Vidaai – The bride’s parents say farewell to their daughter as she goes off into her new marriage

What Is a Hindu Wedding Reception Like?

Following the ceremony, the reception is where the real party begins. It usually takes place later in the evening and can easily go into the early morning of the next day. There are speeches from loved ones, a lavish dinner and an open dance floor for dancing later in the evening.

During the reception, they usually play folk songs and Bollywood music or even have a DJ to keep the party going. It’s also not uncommon for Hindu weddings to feature a combination of traditional Bhangra songs and contemporary Western music. Between the music and the spirited dancing, the last night is bound to be one big extravagant party.

If you’re looking for the perfect venue for a Hindu wedding and reception party, you won’t be disappointed by the facilities and amenities at CrystalView. Schedule a tour of our ballroom to learn more.