Traditions

The moments families look forward to

Customs differ from family to family, so these descriptions are general. The photographs are illustrative and do not show Samanvaya members.

The traditions that shaped us.

India is not one wedding. These are a few of the many, and every family adds its own. Tap a tile to read its story.

Jeelakarra bellam
Telugu and Kannada
Muhurthamthe auspicious moment
In Telugu weddings, the couple place a paste of cumin and jaggery on each other's heads at the muhurtham, said to bind them together. Kannada weddings keep their own customs and share the importance of the muhurta, with the tying of the mangalya at the heart of the day.
Every family adds its own traditions to these.
The oonjal swing
Tamil and Malayali
Kalyanamwedding
In Tamil weddings, the oonjal is a light-hearted pause: the couple sit on a decorated swing while women sing, offer milk and fruit, and circle balls of rice to turn away the evil eye. The tying of the thaali, to nadaswaram and drums, is the heart of the day. Malayali weddings differ: in Hindu Kerala weddings the thali is tied before the family.
Every family adds its own traditions to these.
Mehendi
Gujarati and Rajasthani
Mehendihenna, drawn in patterns that can take hours
Gujarati and Rajasthani weddings are known for elaborate henna. Gujarati weddings also include the jaimala, the garland exchange, and the mangal pheras around the sacred fire. Rajasthani weddings have their own rituals, including the groom's arrival on a decorated horse and the toran at the bride's doorway.
Every family adds its own traditions to these.
Antarpat
Marathi
Mangalashtakthe verses sung as the cloth is lowered
In a Marathi wedding, the couple stand facing each other with a cloth held between them while the mangalashtak is sung. When the verses end, the cloth is lowered and they exchange garlands.
Every family adds its own traditions to these.
Saptapadi
Hindu weddings across India
Saptapadiseven steps taken together
In many Hindu weddings the sacred fire is the witness. A priest makes offerings of ghee and rice, and the couple take seven steps around it, each step a promise. Customs, languages and the order of rituals differ from region to region and from family to family.
Every family adds its own traditions to these.
Achu michu
Parsi
Achu michuthe welcome at the door
In a Parsi wedding, the couple are welcomed with achu michu. A tray holding a coconut and an egg is circled around them, and rice is scattered over them in blessing.
Every family adds its own traditions to these.
Vows and blessings
Christian (Kerala)
Minnuthe small gold pendant the groom ties
In many Kerala Christian weddings the couple exchange vows in church and the groom ties the minnu. Afterwards the family gather outside to bless them, and for many parents this is the moment it becomes real. Christian weddings across India differ by community and denomination.
Every family adds its own traditions to these.
Blessings at the shrine
Jain
Jai Jinendraa greeting among Jains
Jain weddings are often held with prayers before the Tirthankara, guided by a priest. Simplicity and non-violence shape many customs, including vegetarian feasts. Customs differ between Jain communities.
Every family adds its own traditions to these.
Blessing by a monk
Buddhist
Mettaloving-kindness
Buddhist weddings are often simple blessings by monks: chanting, offerings of flowers and candles, and wishes for kindness and a long life together. Customs differ widely between Buddhist communities and countries.
Every family adds its own traditions to these.
The laavan
Punjabi and Sikh
Anand Karajblissful union
In a Sikh wedding, the Anand Karaj takes place at the gurdwara. The couple walk around the Guru Granth Sahib four times, each round called a laavan. Punjabi Hindu weddings follow their own customs, including the milni, where the two families greet each other, and the baraat, the groom's procession, led by the dhol.
Every family adds its own traditions to these.
The Nikah
Muslim
Qubool haiI accept
The Nikah rests on mutual consent. Each partner says qubool hai, "I accept", before witnesses, and the mahr is agreed. It is often a short, intimate ceremony, followed by a celebration with family.
Every family adds its own traditions to these.
Shubho drishti
Bengali and Assamese
Shubho drishtithe auspicious first look
In Bengali weddings, the couple's first look at each other is shielded by betel leaves and a crowd of relatives, and then the conch shells sound. Assamese weddings have their own customs, including the gamosa, a woven cloth that is exchanged and honoured.
Every family adds its own traditions to these.

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