RITUALS OF KASHMIRI MARRIAGE

Kashmiris first match the horoscopes or teknis of the prospective bride and groom. the other factors which are taken into consideration while selecting a match are the background, status and the reputation of the family of the prosepective match. The wedding date is proposed by the bride's parents. Once the groom's parents also give their consent, the purohit fixes the wedding date. The wedding can take place in the morning or in the night. An auspicious time is fixed by the purohit.

Vanna or Formal Engagement

Following the tradition, the elderly persons of both sides meet in temple and exchange flowers as a sign of celebration. In the respective houses of the bride and the groom, the eldest aunt (of the boy and the girl) prepares var (a special rice pudding), which is distributed among the neighbors and relatives. The girl's family sends cash, dry fruits and a pot containing nabad (misri) to the boy's house.

Livun

Livun is the traditional cleansing of the house before a wedding. All the married female members of the family attend the ceremony. This is also the day when the waza or family cook arrives and puts together a mud-and-brick oven called war in the backyard of the house. This is where the

traditional meals will be cooked for the wedding ceremonies.

Wanwun

Few days before the wedding, Wanwun or music sessions are held every evening at the houses of both bride and groom.

Maanziraat

It involves decorating the door of the houses of the prospective bride and the groom around one week before. Later, in the evening, the bride follows bathing ritual. After the bath, her eldest aunt decorates her hands and feet with maanz or henna. This is followed by a lively wanvun or music session.

Sending of Thaals

In this occasion Bride's family sends 51 thaals to the groom's family. It includes sweets, dry fruit, khajur, ghee, sugar and gota (special mixture made only during Kashmiri weddings).

Phoolon ka Gehna

Before marriage groom's family sends flower jewelry and tinsel to the bride. The girl adorns this jewellery as a symbol of her first shringar.

Mehendi

After praying to god for better of their coming life bride's hands (palms and fingers) and feet are adorned with mehendi (henna) patterns. Mehendi is also applied on groom's hands as a shagun.

Diugun

Diugun takes place on the morning of the wedding day. The elders in the respective families apply a paste of curd, gram flour (besan) and saffron to the bride and groom's heads. Then the bride and the groom take a bath (separately in their own houses). The parents of the bride give her jewelry, clothes, household items, etc. An essential item of the jewelry is the dijaru, an ear ornament, which is the sign of a married Kashmiri woman

Sanzvaru

The boy's family sends sanzvaru for the bride. This essentially consists of cosmetics articles, a shawl and paan encased in silver and gold foil. The bride dresses for the wedding using these cosmetics.

Devgon

The devgon is a ceremony that marks the transition of the bride and the groom from brahmacharya ashram to grihastha ashram. The bride and the groom worship God Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The parents of the bride and the groom perform a havan in their respective houses. In the case of the bride, first there is the kansihran ceremony. Young girls hold a veil over the bride's head and relatives shower a mixture of water, rice, milk, curd and flowers.

Dressing

Relatives assist the bride and the groom, as they dress for the occasion in convoluted wedding stuff. The groom's paternal uncle helps him to tie the gordastar (turban). A gold thread is used to tie a peacock feather to the gordastar.

Welcoming the Marriage

The fathers of the bride and the groom exchange jaiphal or nutmeg symbolizing the solemnization of the relationship with a promise of a life-long friendship. The groom and bride stand on the vyog that has been specially created for the event. The eldest female member of the family feeds nabad to the bride and the groom. The couple is led by the family purohit to the door. He performs a small ceremony here called dwar pooja before leading them to the lagan mandap.

Wedding Rituals

Purohit performs the rituals in front of a holy fire. One of the rituals, aathwas, requires the couple to cross their arms and hold hands in this position. Their hands are covered with a cloth. According to an interesting Kashmiri folklore, the first to be able to pull out the engagement ring of the other will be the one to play a dominating role in the relationship. A mananmal or golden thread is tied to their foreheads. The left foot of the bride and groom are placed on a kajwat or grinding stone. The first phera around the sacred fire is made by stepping on seven one-rupee coins. There are a total of seven pheras. The bride and groom feed each other some rice at the end of the ceremony. This is followed by a vidai ceremony.

Wedding Dinner

The wedding ceremony is followed by a vegetarian dinner. The bride and groom are made to eat from the same plate.

Doves

The bride changes into a new sari and jewellery given by her parents. The bride and the groom are again made to stand on the rangoli. A pair of doves are set free.

Vidaai

For the vidaai, the bride and the groom are made to stand on the rangoli. The eldest lady from the bride's family offers the newly wed couple nabad (misri) thrice and kisses their foreheads. As the bride leaves her parent's house, she throws a fistful of raw rice over her shoulder in the direction of that house. This symbolises that prosperity may continue to remain in the home she leaves. She carries some more rice in her other hand which is scattered at the doorstep of her new home. This symbolises that she brings prosperity to her new home.

Havan

The bride's parents perform a Havan thanking God for enabling them to successfully discharge their duties. Only after this do the parents break their fast.

Dwaar Puja

The groom's mother performs the Dwaar Puja (which was earlier conducted by the girl's mother). A pair of doves are again set free. In a playful moment, the groom's pof remand cash/jewellery in return for letting him bring the bride in the house.

Atahru Ceremony

The bride is now made to change into a new sari and jewellery given by her in-laws. Atahru, which consists of several strands of gold/ silver leaf are strung below the dijaru which she is already wearing.

Garasun

This is equivalent to the modern-day reception held at the girl's place. This day non-vegetarian food is served to all the invitees. Presents for the couple are given on this occasion. It marks off the beginning of a fruitful and happy life for the couple and their families.

Satraa

Accompanied by her husband and a couple of children from the husband's family, the bride goes to her parents' house. The parents of the bride give the bride a set of new clothes and some salt and cash. The groom is also presented with new clothes including a dusa (six yard pashmina shawl). The bride and the groom change into new clothes before returning to the groom's house.

Gujrati Wedding Ceremony

A typical Gujarati Wedding begins with Sagaii or engagement. It is actually the first formal approval of marriage in the Gujarati community. It is a traditional ceremony when would be bride arrives at would be groom’s place for solemnizing the ceremony. The other ceremonies prior to the wedding are Pithi, Mehndi and Mandap Muharat. A Grihshanti Pooja for the peace and prosperity of home is also performed prior to wedding. A night before wedding the exciting Garba dance fills the atmosphere of the marriage venue with vibrancy and enthusiasm.

The wedding rituals of a Gujarati Wedding ceremony are very interesting because of the traditional ritualistic pattern. Like other traditional Indian marriage Jaimala, Varmala, Kanya Daan and Mangal Phera are the rituals that are solemnized in the wedding apart from exclusive Gujarati rituals like Madhuparka, Hastamilaap, Saubhagyavati Bhava and Chero Pakaryo. The post wedding ceremonies are equally interesting. An emotional ‘Vidai’ (biding good bye to bride), ‘Ghar Nu Laxmi’ i.e. welcome ceremony of the bride at groom’s home and ‘Aeki Beki’, an interesting game to find out who will rule the household are some interesting ceremonies of a Guajarati Ceremony.

Gujarati Wedding Attire

Indian wedding is characterized by elaborate rituals and traditions. A grand affair, marriage is an essential step towards oneness, taken by both the bride and the groom. The weddings in India usually are extravagant and splendid events and are distinguished as a large festival that is usually celebrated over a span of a week. Rituals and traditions make an important part of the wedding ceremony.

Pre Wedding Gujarati Rituals

Gujarati Marriage Ceremonies can basically be divided into three parts- the Pre-marriage ceremonies, the Wedding Ceremonies and the Post Wedding Ceremonies. Pre- Wedding Ceremonies form an important part of the entire marriage ceremony as most of them are performed individually at the bride’s and groom’s place giving a festive mood to both the houses.

Gujarati Wedding Rituals

Gujarati Wedding is one of the most interesting wedding ceremonies in India. Like other Indian Wedding Ceremonies, the Gujarati Wedding Ceremony is full of several traditional rituals and customs. These traditional customs hold a deep meaning and regard for the Gujarati families. Performed with a great pomp and show, the Gujarati Wedding Ceremonies are vibrant and amusing.

Post Wedding Gujarati Rituals

A celebration of a typical Gujarati marriage does not end with the solemnization of marriage at the bride’s place. In fact these celebrations go ahead for next few days with the celebrations at the groom’s home after the arrival of bride at his place. The Post marriage ceremony begins with the Vidai (biding adieu) ceremony of the bride from her home and last with the reception ceremony of bride at the groom’s place.

RITUALS OF BIHARI WEDDING

A Bihari wedding is an elaborate, colorful function marked by traditional rituals.

Tilak

The groom receives lavish gifts The bride's brother has to perform the 'tilak' ceremony for his future brother-in-law. He carries with him a 'gaggara' (stainless steel or copper utensil used mainly for storing water in Indian homes) in which the auspicious coconut and mango leaves are placed. He also carries three 'parats' (stainless steel or brass platters). The first 'parat' contains 'dhan' (husk covered rice) coloured red or yellow, one and a half or five kilograms of 'supari' (betel nuts) dipped in turmeric, and 'haldi' sticks (turmeric) which have to be the same quantity as the 'supari'.The second 'parat' contains yellow rice and Rs. 51/- also coloured yellow.The third 'parat' contains dry fruits and sweetmeats.

Haldi Ka Din

Beautification rituals In most Bihari weddings the 'haldi' ceremony (beautifying the bride with turmeric paste and fragrant oils) lasts for four days. The first of these four days is known as 'haldi ka din'. The 'pujari' conducts the 'Satyanarayan Puja' simultaneously as the married men and women apply the 'haldi-uptan' paste on the bride. Kohl is applied in the bride's eyes.The groom begins the same ceremony in his house and the 'Satyanarayana Puja' is performed in his house as well.

Pind-daan

Offering of ground rice is made to the ancestors. The bride's mother and other 'sumangalis' (married ladies) grind the rice before the 'puja'.

Haldi Ceremony

On the morning of the wedding day, the bride once again prepares herself for the 'haldi-uptan' paste application in exactly the same manner as was done earlier on 'haldi ka din'. At the groom's home the same ritual of applying the 'haldi' paste on him is performed, after which he is dressed for the 'jaimaal' ceremony. The ceremony involving the dressing up of the groom is called 'joda pehanana', which is the same as 'sehrabandhi' in other North Indian communities.The groom's sister's husband or 'behnoi' has to perform the honours of dressing the groom.

Baraat

When the 'baraat' is at the entrance of the wedding venue, all the important members from the bride's family wait with garlands of flowers in their hands to welcome the 'baraatis'. Each person from the groom's family is welcomed with a garland by his counterpart in the bride's family (i.e. the bride's father garlands the groom's father, the bride's 'mama' (maternal uncle) garlands the groom's 'mama' and so on and so forth).The ladies also garland their counterparts from the groom's family. This ritual is called 'darwaza lagna'.While his 'baraat' is being welcomed the groom remains seated in the decorated car and awaits the arrival of the 'pujari' from the bride's family, to come and welcome him by applying the 'tilak' on his forehead and to help him out of the car. The bride's father performs a small 'puja' for the groom at this time to bless and welcome him. The 'puja' is performed with a 'kalash' (pot) filled with water and decorated with a coconut and mango leaves. The bride's father then leads the groom to a decorated chair reserved especially for him.

Jaimaala

The bride performs an 'aarti' for the groom and then the couple exchanges garlands.

Kanyadaan

For the 'kanyadaan' ceremony the 'pujari' asks the bride's father to stretch out his right hand, on top of which the bride's mother places her right hand, next the groom places his right hand on top of his mother-in-law's and lastly the bride, holding a conch, places her right hand on top of the groom's.The 'pujaris' chant mantras throughout and in this manner the bride is 'given away' by her parents to the groom eliciting a promise from him to look after and cherish their daughter. The 'pujari' sprinkles holy water on all of them.After the 'kanyadaan' ceremony the bride is seated to the right of the groom.

Mooh-dikhai

After the 'kanyadaan' ceremony the groom retires to the 'janvaasa' while the bride goes in to change for the next ritual, the 'kanya nirakshan'. Literally translated it means viewing the bride.The groom's father accompanied by the groom's elder married brother or 'bhaisur' now arrives to adorn the bride with the jewellery sent by her mother-in-law. This ritual is called 'bhaisur nirakshan'. This is the only time during the entire wedding that the 'bhaisur' is allowed to touch the bride or even enter the 'mandap'. His head must be covered with a 'rumaal' (handkerchief) or a 'topi' (cap) at this time. He first blesses the bride by placing his hand on her head and then presents her with two saris (one is the wedding sari and the other is the 'gouna sari'), two 'chunris' (veils) and a set of 'lehenga-choli' (long ethnic skirt with a blouse). He then adorns the bride with all the jewellery sent for her by her in-laws.

Bidaai Ki Rasm

If the groom has stayed back in the bride's maternal home, he will leave with his bride either after two days or after performing the 'kangna kholna' ceremony which takes place on the fourth day after the wedding as explained earlier.The bride sits while her mother fills her lap with gifts. She receives the 'bidaai ki sari' and in her 'khoicha'/ 'jholi' or lap, her mother puts half a kilo of yellow rice, money, 'sindoor', 'haldi' and 'doob'.

DIFFERENT STATES WEDDING IN INDIA

Rituals Of Bengali Marriage


Bengali marriages are a mixture of pure custom, tradition and religious beliefs. It is an occasion where the entire family gather, take part in the typical Bengali 'Adda', regale in fanfare and remain busy in making the necessary arrangements for the invitees.Bengali marriage is a mixture of culture, tradition and rituals.It consists of numerous customs, mainly traditional, performed by the women of the house, for the new couple. The actual marriage ceremony, comprising of Vedic rituals is performed with devotion for the young couple about to set up a new life.

The Ashirbaad: engagement

In this occasion groom and bride's families meets together who exchange their gifts, discussions and fix date of marriage. Elders give their blessings to couple by showering 'dhaan' (husked rice) and 'dooba'.Al Buddo Bhaat
In this a bride as an unmarried girl take her last meal at her paternal home. Bride's mother prepares Bengali dishes for her daughter, which is shared by the all family.

Gai Halood / Haldi Uptan

This custom is held on the sunrise of wedding day. The family members of grooms apply turmeric paste on his body. This is a friendly function full of joy and happiness where his relatives, especially the girls, mercilessly tease the groom! After rubbing this paste on grooms paste is sent at the bride's home for her 'Gai Halood' ceremony. Before dawn, on wedding day, the bride takes 'Dahi Mangal' (custard-like food made from curdled milk), after this she fasts until the marriage ritual is over.
Shaka PaulaThe bride is decorated with coral and shell bangles by 'sumangalis'
Sanskrit 'shlokas' (verses) chanted by the priest, seven married women or 'sumangalis' beautify the bride with coral and shell bangles. The groom sends an iron and silver knotted bangle for the bride, indicates a strong and stable relationship.

Boijotri: The wedding procession

The maternal uncles of bride bring the bridegroom, his family and friends to the wedding spot. The groom is stunning in 'sherwani' (long coat) or traditional 'dhoti kurta'.
With the blowing of the conch, the 'boijotri' or 'baraat' (wedding procession) sets off for the wedding venue.
Potto Bastra: Welcoming the groom
On the entrance of groom, bride's elders receive the groom with the 'boron' (straw colander) by holding a lamp, honey, yogurt and betel leaves. Then groom exposed himself with a shawl and a 'dhoti', which he is supposed to wear for the wedding ceremony.

The wedding:

Shubh Dhristi / Exchange of garland:

The bride walks up to the groom, eyes lowered and goes around him seven times, welcoming him and then stands in front of him. Her face is covered with betel leaves, which are moved apart to enable the couple to make eye contact for the 'shubh dhristi' (auspicious 'viewing' of each other).
The couple now exchanges garlands and the groom proceeds to the 'mandap' (marriage platform) followed by the bride.

Kanyadaan: Giving away the bride

Amongst Vedic chanting the bride's parents symbolically hand over their most precious gift, their daughter, to the bridegroom.

Hasta Milap

The hands of the couple are tied together in a symbolic knot and the bride is formally handed over to her husband.

Saptapadi

The couple takes the seven steps of matrimony around the sacred fire. With each step the bride leaves her family and with the seventh step, she finally becomes a member of her husband's family. The bride and groom take a promise with each step.

Sindoordaan:

Performed at the end of the marriage rituals, this ceremony is the safeguard of a husband. He applies the 'sindoor' on the parting in the hair of his bride to begin her marital status.

Bashar Ghar

After the wedding feast, the groom's family, friends and guests leave but the groom live there in the bride's home. The following day is spent at his in-laws amidst a lot of teasing and entertaining by the younger generation in the 'bashar ghar' or ceremonial room.

Vidaai

In one of the most emotional moments of her life, the 'vidaai', the bride takes leave of her parental home. For her it symbolizes the changing of her 'gotra' (ancestral lineage) and allegiances in one stroke!
Welcoming the bride in her marital home
On entering the home, mother-in law gives her new daughter -in law a fish to hold, while she waits for the milk to boil over (symbolizing a house overflowing with food and affection).
The bride then steps onto a platter containing 'alta' (vermilion water) and walks into her new home leaving her foot imprints on the floor of the house. She is then taken straight into the kitchen and blessed by all the elders.

Bahu Bhaat

The following day is a very important one for the bride as it is on this day that she is formally accepted by all her husband's relatives through the formality of the 'Bahu Bhaat'.
Reception
The groom's family generally hosts the wedding reception, which is a formal function to introduce the newly weds to family and friends.

MARRIAGE PATTERN IN INDIAN SOCEITY

Types Of Hindu Marriage

Love Marriage – What would be the better way of marriage ? Both arrange & love marriages have their own share of frills & follies. To be precise, love marriages or “self-arranged marriage” are those marriages in which two people decide to tie a knot for life-time after realizing a mutual affection & attraction for each other. Both know each other well & only after much thinking this decision made. Love marriages are becoming more & more common day by day. There are two major problems with love marriages. On being that there can be a lot of expectation from each other. This dependence develop because each may strongly believe that their spouse knows them well.

Arrange Marriage – The tradition of arrange marriage is ancient. The concept is to generate a family to live with people believe that presence of a family beauties the journey of life & saves a person from the anxieties associates with loneliness. In today’s world of tight professional schedules one hardly get time to pee let alone
finding a life partner. Parents & matchmakers may arrange the marriage. In arrange marriage it is often seen that one does not feel the freedom to explore much. There is always seen some form of hesitation & the decisions depend upon what the “family” may think. Both arranged & love marriages thrive on mutual care & understanding.

Child Marriage – According to UNICEF’s “State of the world’s children 2009” report, 47% of India’s women aged 20-24 were married before legal age of 18, with 56% in rural areas. The report also showed that 40% of world’s child marriage occur in India.

The female age at marriage was lowest in Rajasthan (17.5) followed by states of Madhya Pradesh & Bihar (17.6 & 17.8 respectively) & it was highest in Kerala (22.3). ( Source : Census of India 1991).
Child marriage has been traditionally prevalent in India & continue to this day. Although child marriage was outward in 1860, it still a common practice.

Under the terms of Child Marriage (Amendment) Act, 1978, child marriage is considered illegal. According to this act the minimum age of marriage was fixed at 18 years for girls & 21 years for boys. According to “National Plan Of Action For Children 2005” (publishing by the department of women & child development of India) a goal has been set to eliminate child marriage completely by 2010.

Polygamy – Polygamy can be defined as any “form of in marriage in which a person has more than one spouse”. Polygamy was practiced in many sections of Hindu society in ancient times. Connecting polyandry there was one example of polyandry in ancient Hindu epic Mahabharat, Draupadi marries five pandava brother as a message to human society. Regarding polygamy in Ramayana, father of Ram king Dasarath has three wives.
Polygamy is illegal in India for Hindu under the Hindu marriage act.

Widow Remarriage – Hindu widow in India are socially prohibited from remarriage, because the Hindu religion eulogises ascetic virtues. Marriage after widowhood is contrary to this idea. It seems from the view that marriage is a union of souls & not merely of bodies, & that the widow is going to join her husband at heaven after her death or in this world in her next birth.
The Indian census do not give information on widow remarriages, though they do provide information on current widows & widowers by age. The mean age at widowhood for Hindus was 32.3 years (1991). It could be noted that the proportion of those getting remarried declines by age. Of those widow below the age of 15 years, nearly 90% to 100% get married while very few are remarried after the age of 40. In the year 1991, among the elderly (60+ age group) the percentage of widows was 60.7 & that of widowers was 19 (Census of India 1991).

This is probably the younger widow has greater opportunity & a longer time in which to get married.

In 1856, the Hindu Widows Remarriage Act legalised the marriage of widows of all castes.

With general social awakening & the spared of education & modern ideas, prejudices against widow remarriages are getting soften, it is often asserted that as widow remarriages become more frequent.

Inter Caste Marriage – Inter caste marriages prevailed in India as a result of a very rigid caste system. Upper caste people would not have any marriage alliance with lower caste people.

In today’s changing society there are certain families that do not give much importance of the caste system. In such cases apart from the personal character & appearance, economic & professional status are sufficient grounds to arrange the marriage.

MODERN HINDU WEDDING

http://www.indianweddingsite.com/


Modern Hindu weddings are often much shorter & do not involve all of the rituals of the traditional ceremony, which sometimes go on for three to five days. Instead certain ceromonies are picked by the families of the bride & the groom depending on their family tradition, caste, religion etc. Hence the ceremonies very among the various ethnic groups the practice of Hinduism. The wedding is normally conducted under a wedding hall, an important component of the ceromony is the sacred fire that is witness to the ceremony.

Indian Wedding Facts – Usually, an Indian wedding is considered to be an occasion for representing customs & rituals characterised to an ethnicity. These are the Indian wedding facts that the actual meaning of these rituals & customs is to bring the bride & groom to closer to each other or an attempt to break the ice. There are many Indian wedding facts with a deeper meaning of the marriage.

VEDIC MARRIAGE PATTERN

Different Types Of Hindu Marriage – According To Manusmriti

•MANUSMRITI – There are eight types of marriage described in the ancient Hindu text of Manusmriti (Laws of Manu) or “Manava Dharma Shastra”.

•1. Brahma Vivaha – In Brahma marriage once the boy completes his student hood. He is eligible to get married. Where the father of the bride invites a man learned in the vedas & a good conduct. This is now a Brahma marriage was arranged. According to the Dharmashastras “Brahma Vivaha” is the best marriage among all.

•2. Daiva Vivaha – Where the daughter is groomed with ornaments & given to a priest who duly officiates at a sacrifice during the course of its performance of this rite.

3. Arsha Vivaha – In this type of marriage the bride presents a cow & pair of bull to the guardian of girl. According to Shastras this kind of marriages were not considered noble.

4. Prajapatya Vivaha – In this type of marriage, the bride’s father goes in search for a groom for his daughter. The protection of the bride is handed over by the Panigrahan ceremony.


5. Asura Vivaha – In the Asura type of marriage the groom is not at all suitable for the bride. In no way he is match for the girls, but the bridegroom willingly gives as much wealth as he can efford to the bride’s parent’s & relatives.


6. Gandharva Vivaha – When a man & a woman marry with each other consent but may not have the consent of their family, then this wedding is called Gandharva Vivaha or ‘Love marriage’.


7. Rakshasa Vivaha – If a bride taken by force & then persuades her to marry this is called Rakshasa Vivaha. This is not considered as the right kind of marriage.


8. Paishacha Vivaha – In this type of marriage the girl’s wish is not considered whether she wants to marry. Man would marry a woman while she was asleep, intoxicated or insane. This kind of marriage was later prohibited. It is considered as the most inferior type of marriage.

HINDU MARRIAGE

Introduction
In Hindu Dharma, marriage is viewed Hindu Marriage is a life-long Commitment of one wife and one Husband, an is the strongest social bond that takes place between a Man and a woman. Grahastha Ashram ( the house holder stage), The second of the four stages of life begins
When a man and a woman marry and start A household.

Indian Hindu Marriage System

Through there may be variations in the sequence of the performance of the different parts and through they are called by different names in the respective colloquials, the Vedic marriage consists of –

1. NANDI – getting started.
2. NISCHITARTHA – confirming the alliance
3. ANKURARPANA – creation of the alliance by lighting the yagna fire.
4. LAJA HOMA – yagna
5. SNATHAKAM – graduation ceremony
6. UPANAYANAM – thread marriage
7. KASI YATRA – the indecisive journey of the groom to Kasi for the sanyasa, & bringing him back to the house by the parents of the bride for the marriage.
8. KANYA DANAM – offering of the daughter for the marriage
9. PANI GRAHANAM , SAPTHA PADHI , MANGALSUTRA DHARANA OR VEEKSHANAM – the seeing of each other , touching of each other & walking together & tying the knot of the marriage
10. TALAMBRALU – other performances acquaintance of each other
11. ARUNDHATI DARSHANAM – showing of the Arundhati star
12. GRIHAPRAVESHAM – taking the bride to the in-laws house
13. APPAGINTHALU – handing over the daughter to the groom
14. DHRUVA DARSHANAM – showing the Dhruva star
15. SOBHANAMU – nuptials
16. GARBHADANAM – the act of creation of the foetus.