This photograph is of the traditional exchange of rings during each ceremony.
Traditional weddings in India can last from 1-7 days. They are a very lavish and extravagant celebration that not only symbolize the union of two people, but the merging of two different families coming together to form a new love. The attendance of people at the wedding depends on the wealth and status of the families hosting this affair. There can be anywhere between 500-1,000 people at this ceremony. Typically, attendee's will wear their finest clothes along with colorful jewelry(gold) which symbolizes status, and sari's. Previous to the actual wedding ceremony there are two major events. The first event being the engagement ceremony which takes place on propitious date set by the respected elders of the family after a meeting with the priest. During this ceremony the rings are exchanged between the two and this occasion includes music, dance and good memories. Mehendi is the next event which takes place the day before the actual wedding is the day where the bride gets her hennas done on her feet and palms of her hands which has been a tradition done for many years.
The actual wedding ceremony begins with the arrival of the 'baraat' which is a formal procession that includes family, friends and relatives of the groom. There is music and dancing in this gathering. The most important section of the wedding is when the bride and groom exchange vows they chant slokas (hymns) with the priest. The wedding ceremony is followed by a grand feast in which the most decadent food is served. Traditional Indian food is given and sweets are an important part to the menu. Typically games are played between the families. An example of a popular game would be 'hiding the shoes' where a prank is played by the bride's sisters on the groom. Later they demand money from the groom in exchange for his shoes. Finally, it is time for 'vidaai' when the bride says good bye to her parental house with blessings from the elders to start a new life. These rituals are performed to celebrate the unification of the two families.
The actual wedding ceremony begins with the arrival of the 'baraat' which is a formal procession that includes family, friends and relatives of the groom. There is music and dancing in this gathering. The most important section of the wedding is when the bride and groom exchange vows they chant slokas (hymns) with the priest. The wedding ceremony is followed by a grand feast in which the most decadent food is served. Traditional Indian food is given and sweets are an important part to the menu. Typically games are played between the families. An example of a popular game would be 'hiding the shoes' where a prank is played by the bride's sisters on the groom. Later they demand money from the groom in exchange for his shoes. Finally, it is time for 'vidaai' when the bride says good bye to her parental house with blessings from the elders to start a new life. These rituals are performed to celebrate the unification of the two families.