Var Mala

In a Hindu wedding the main day function involves various rituals. The main day ceremony itself is a collection of rituals, which are performed by the bride, bridegroom and their respective parents and close relatives. The Brahmin or priest in the presence of the family members and relatives performs the rituals. The priest chants mantras from the Vedas that were originally written in Sanskrit. For the occasion different items are required some of the important are fresh flowers, rice, coconut, jaggery, different kinds of grains, kumkum (vermilion), ghee, etc. The main rituals, which are followed, are Ganesh puja. The wedding starts with Ganehji's puja toke his divine grace and blessing to complete the ceremony successfully. After Ganesh puja the priest performs the Grah Shanti puja, which is the worshipping of the nine planets. Other rituals, which are followed on this day, are Parchan or welcoming of the groom by the bride's mother. Arrival of the bride on the mandap, main marriage rituals like saptapadi or seven steps where the bride and the groom take seven steps together around the fire, taking of the seven vows, and many more. These rituals signify the main day celebration.

The bride and groom are seated in front of a holy fire and the priest recites various religious mantras in Sanskrit from the Vedas. The couple recites the mantras after priest. According to the Hindu religion, fire is considered auspicious and the sustainer of life. The family members give offerings into the holy fire as the priest directs them to do. The couple takes seven steps together around the fire exchanging vows of duty and love, loyalty, respect, understanding and a successful union. The groom then places the brides hand on his forehead, to signify that he accepts her as his wife for better of for worse, in health or in sickness and that it his destiny to marry her.

The ritual of Var mala, which is also called Jai mala in which the bride welcomes and greets her broom by putting garland around his neck. This ritual signifies that she accepts him as her husband. This is also associated with fun as the groom is lifted high up when the bride tries to put the garland around his neck. The bride's mother performs a small welcome puja and then she tries to pinch the groom's nose. This ritual symbolizes that the groom has come to ask for their daughter's hand at their doorstep by rubbing his nose on the door. Grooms friends try to protect his nose with their handkerchiefs. Different region of the country celebrates these rituals according to their own custom and traditions.