Here is an overview of the major rituals taking place during the wedding
Ganesh Sthapan: Commencement of all marriage rituals
Lord Ganesha is always the first deity to be propitiated at any significant event. His blessings are invoked before the preparations begin for the wedding so that no obstacles present themselves and all goes well.
Mehendi: The henna ceremony
This is an intimate gathering of the bride's female relatives and close friends two days before the wedding. 'Mehendi' (henna) is ground into a paste and applied by professional 'mehendiwallis' (henna artists) in fine patterns on the palms and feet of the bride.Often the groom's name is written on palm.
Garba( Traditional Gujarati dance) & Sangeet:
On the night before the wedding, family and friends gather together dressed in traditional finery and sing and dance to the beat of the 'dhol' (drum). The women form a circle to dance the graceful 'garba'. In modern days this then followed by 'sangeet' which involves dancing to the popular tunes.
Pithi: Beautification Rituals
A place is arranged with a picture of Lord Ganesh set in it. The bride sits on a 'bajat' or low table. Married women apply 'Pithi' (a paste of mainly turmeric) to the bride. This is the olden day version of beauty treatment as turmeric has anti septic properties and also provides good color to the skin.
Griha Shanti: Invoking harmony within the planets
This is a very important religious ceremony. Both sets of parents are the primary figures in the invocation. On behalf of the parents, the officiating priests ask the deities to ensure stellar harmony and peace during the period of their son and daughter's wedding.
Varghodo: The Groom's Procession
Var Ponke: Welcoming the groom
The bride's mother receives the groom and his 'baraat' (procession) at the entrance of the wedding venue. She performs the traditional 'aarti' for the groom, applies the 'kumkum' (vermilion) and rice 'tikka' on his forehead.
Varmala
The couple exchanges garlands
Kanyadaan
It is the most important ritual for any Hindu marriage in which the parents of the bride give away their daughter to the son-in-law. It is done in front of a sacred fire. The parents of the bride wash the groom's feet as they believe that he is none other than the Hindu Lord, Vishnu, to whom they are handing over his rightful consort, the Goddess Laxmi in the form of their daughter.
Hasta Milap
The groom's scarf is tied to the bride's saree. This knot and the joined hands of the couple symbolise the union of two souls joined together in holy matrimony.
Mangal/Saat pheras: Seven circles around the sacred fire
The couple circles around the fire seven times and with each step a vow is taken. With god and holy fire as a witness, bride and groom make seven promises to each other for a happy prosperous long life together.
Mangal Sutra and blessing from elders
Tying of MangalSutra (Holy thread/chain of gold) and applying 'sindoor' (red color) which signifies married woman.