I don't really know about men, but we women are super excited about our wedding day from a very young age. Whether we accept it or not, but most us have thought about the clothes, jewelry, venue etc long before the groom is decided upon ! It is one of the most special days of our lives. The Sanskrit word 'Vivah' originated from three root sounds vi + vah + ghai which means “a very special dedication”. Indian wedding ceremony at its core is essentially a Vedic yajna.
It has a deep origin in the ancient ceremony of cementing the bonds between not just two individuals, but of two families together. Someone rightly said, for others, love ends with marriage but for us Indians, true love begins with marriage. The procedures, their sanctity, their aim, the respectability they carry etc. can not be seen in any traditions in the world except in India. Agni (fire) is the primary witness and the saat pheras around the scared fire tie the bride and the groom in an eternal bond.
To be very honest, during my marriage, I was completely lost in the ceremonies, rituals, celebrations, clothes, make up,etc. And as if that was enough, we were constantly pestered by the photographers to give our best poses and to smile into the camera. The panditji was chanting away mantras and I didn't even bother to listen them.
Years later, I though of the mantras that the panditji was chanting and decided to find out the 'saat pheras' actually meant.
1. Together, we will acquire energy to share responsibilities of our married life.
2. Together,we will fill our hearts with strength and courage to accomplish all the needs of our life.
3. Together,we will prosper and share our worldly goods and will work for prosperity of our family.
4. Together, we will chesrish each other in happiness and in sorrow.
5. Together,we will raise strong and virtuous children.
6. Together, we will fill our hearts with great joy, peace , happiness and spiritual values.
7. Together, we will remain lifelong partners in the matrimony.
In this day and age, marriages are difficult, and families are breaking apart at an alarming rate. I think its more important now than ever before to protect and understand the sanctity of marriage.
This sweet song from English Vinglish, tells the groom to take care and pamper bride, just like her family has :)
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