Religious Elements

Question 1

Mandap

Answer 1

Structure holding up the ceremony. The flowers of the mandap represent beauty and joy. The four pillars represent the four stages of life

Question 2

Baraat

Answer 2

Indian custom is for the groom’s family to form a celebratory procession to the wedding venue. For this wedding, we have done two processions - one for each family - that will meet up before the ceremony to dance and sing together!

Question 3

Milni & Var Satkaar

Answer 3

Ruchi’s family welcomes David and his family. Neelam greets David with a welcoming ritual.

Question 4

Kanya Aagaman

Answer 4

As Ruchi arrives to the mandap, escorted by her parents, the priest will blow a ceremonial conch to bless Ruchi’s arrival.

Question 5

Jai Mala

Answer 5

Ruchi and David exchange floral garlands, symbolizing their acceptance of each other as eternal partners.

Question 6

Pre-Ceremony Order

Answer 6

(1) Baraat
(2) Milni
(3) Var Satkaar
(4) Kanya Aagaman

Question 7

Ceremony Order

Answer 7

(1) Jai Mala
(2) Ganesh Puja
(3) Hastamelap
(4) Agni Sthapan
(5) Gatha Bandham
(6) Pheras
(7) Saptapadi
(8) Sindoor Daan
(9) Mangal Sutra
(10) Ashirvaad

Question 8

Ganesh Puja

Answer 8

The priest commences the ceremony with a prayer to Lord Ganesha. This prayer is to remove all obstacles and ensure the couple has a life of wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity.

Question 9

Hastamelap

Answer 9

In the most significant ceremony for the parents, Sanjay and Neelam will give blessings for the marriage. They will join David and Ruchi’s hands together and fill them with betel nuts, spices, and coconut to represent unity, prosperity, and happiness. David will vow to Ruchi eternal love, truthfulness, and commitment.

Question 10

Agni Sthapan

Answer 10

The fire represents purity and sustains life. It also symbolizes the illumination of the mind, knowledge, and happiness. Agni, the god of fire, will be a divine witness to the union. Ruchi and David perform offerings of ghee, herbs, spices, and grains to Agni to invoke blessings ofsacrifice and equal partnership.

Question 11

Gatha Bandham

Answer 11

The bride’s sister, Neha, will tie the corners of Ruchi and David’s garments in a sacred knot. The knot embodies the joyous union and eternal commitment of the two souls joined together in holy matrimony.

Question 12

Pheras / Saptapadi

Answer 12

Pheras are the seven sacred rounds that the bride and groom take around the holy fire. Each round, Ruchi and David take a vow to accept the responsibilities of a married couple. The first four are led by David and the last three are led by Ruchi. Before each phera, Ruchi’s brother, Aarnav, places parched rice into the couple’s hands to offer to the fire for a blessed, long life as a couple. After the seven pheras, Ruchi sits on the left of David, close to his heart (Aasan Parivartanam).

Question 13

Sindoor Daan / Mangal Sutra

Answer 13

David welcomes Ruchi into his life by applying sindoor (vermillion powder) in the parting of her hair. David’s mother, Sonia, provides the Mangal Sutra (bridal necklace) to welcome Ruchi as a daughter in her family. David adorns Ruchi with the Mangal Sutra as a sign of his eternal love and respect for her.

Question 14

Ashirvaad

Answer 14

Parents wish the new couple good luck, prosperity, and a long and happy married life.

Question 15

Jewish Ceremony Order

Answer 15

(1) Memorial
(2) Kiddush
(3) Ring Exchange
(4) Sheva Brachot
(5) Break Glass

Question 16

Kiddush

Answer 16

The Kiddush begins the ceremony, establishing the ceremony as sacred. Wine is a symbol of joy in Jewish culture, and signals the event will be one of celebration.

Question 17

Ring Exchange

Answer 17

Ruchi and David exchange wedding bands. At this point, the marriage is official under Jewish law.

Question 18

Sheva Brachot

Answer 18

Seven different blessings are bestowed on the couple as they stand
underneath the chuppah. These seven blessings will set them on the road to a joyous marriage. Afterwards, the rabbi will offer her own blessing to the couple.

Question 19

Breaking The Glass

Answer 19

The ceremony concludes with David and Ruchi breaking a glass under their feet. This act has many meanings in Jewish culture. It symbolizes marriage is not about material goods, but the connection they share. As they break the glass, yell “Mazel Tov” to wish the new couple good luck!