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Weddingsinindia.com

Indian wedding traditions

Fourteen communities, fourteen ways to say it. Choose a word to read how that wedding unfolds.

Each guide follows the wedding in order, from the first talks to the last meal.

GujaratiFour pheras rather than seven, and a mother-in-law who tries to catch the groom by the nose.ChristianA white gown, hymns from the choir and vows before the priest, in a church.MuslimA Nikah can take place at any convenient time, and ends with a contract signed before witnesses.KashmiriSeven silver coins, a thread of gold and a cake a metre long.MaharashtrianGreen bangles, a white cloth between the couple and a new name written in rice with a gold ring.MarwariEven a simple wedding in Rajasthan is as elaborate as any big affair.BengaliThe couple set eyes on each other at the appointed moment, and the feast comes the morning after.KannadaA groom who threatens to become an ascetic, and a bride shielded by a fan of peacock feathers.MalayaliA short ceremony, three rounds of the fire and an elaborate vegetarian meal.PunjabiNights of singing, a set of red bangles the bride may not see, and sisters who steal the groom's shoes.લગનParsiAll white, a loop of thread around the couple, and one last chance to refuse.SikhA morning service, four rounds of the Guru Granth Sahib, and no need for auspicious dates.شاديSindhiFlower jewellery, old clothes thrown in the sea and salt that disappears into everything.TamilA groom who leaves for Kashi and has to be wooed back, and a swing for two.