Indian weddings are more than just a union of two people; they’re a grand, multi-day spectacle, a fusion of age-old customs, spiritual symbolism, and larger-than-life celebrations. Life should be celebrated, and India knows how to do that! Every religion, region, and family has its own traditions, each more colorful than the last. Some ceremonies are deeply spiritual, some are wildly extravagant, and some are a blend of both, especially in today's world, when people from different cultures marry.

READ MORE ABOUT WEDDING TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD: The most interesting wedding traditions around the world

Hindu Weddings

Indian people know how to celebrate in the truest and deepest sense of the word! Grandiose multi-day Hindu weddings are filled with rituals, music, and dance. The festivities begin long before the actual wedding day, creating an air of anticipation and excitement. Each ceremony holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, bringing families together in a whirlwind of traditions, blessings, and celebrations. The wedding ritual is not instantaneous - it is a process that takes time, realizing that in this process, the destinies of two families are united.

The duration of an Indian wedding depends on religious customs, regional traditions, and family preferences. On average, most Indian weddings last between three to seven days, though some can extend even longer.

Pre-Wedding Festivities

Roka & Sagai (Engagement) – This marks the official beginning of the wedding journey. In India, it is understood that a wedding is not just about the individual couple - when you get married, the entire family is extended. The families of the bride and groom exchange gifts, sweets, and blessings, symbolizing the couple’s commitment. It’s often an intimate gathering, setting the tone for the larger celebrations to come.

Haldi Ceremony – This ritual is essentially a pre-wedding beauty treatment but with cultural significance. A turmeric-based paste is applied to the bride and groom’s skin to bring good luck, ward off evil, and give them that famous golden glow. Laughter, music, and playful smearing of haldi make this a lively event. Beautiful!

Mehendi Night – One of the most artistic and cherished rituals, this evening is dedicated to applying intricate henna designs on the bride’s hands and feet. The groom’s initials are cleverly hidden within the designs, adding an element of fun as he tries to find them later! Family and friends often join in, getting their own henna patterns while enjoying folk songs and storytelling.

Sangeet – A night of pure celebration, the Sangeet is where both families come together to sing, dance, and enjoy an electrifying Bollywood-style showdown. Performances, choreographed dances, and friendly competition between the bride’s and groom’s sides make this one of the most awaited events.

The Wedding Day: A Grand Affair

Baraat – The groom arrives in style, traditionally on a horse (or even an elephant!), surrounded by a vibrant procession of family and friends dancing to upbeat music. Maybe this is where the saying comes from that the prince of dreams comes to a woman on a white horse? This symbolic arrival marks official arrival at the wedding venue, where the bride’s family welcomes him with open arms.

Kanyadaan – A deeply emotional ritual where the bride’s father entrusts her to the groom, symbolizing the union of two families.

Saptapadi – The heart of the Hindu wedding ceremony, where the couple takes seven sacred vows around the holy fire. Each step represents a promise of love, respect, and eternal companionship, sealing their bond as husband and wife. Yes, weddings in India are taken seriously, energetically too.

Post-Wedding Rituals: The Emotional Farewell and New Beginnings

Vidaai – Perhaps the most emotional part of the wedding, the bride bids farewell to her parental home, often in tears, as she embarks on a new journey with her husband. It is a bittersweet moment, filled with love, blessings, and heartfelt goodbyes. One stage of life has ended to move on to the next.

Griha Pravesh – Upon arrival at her new home, the bride is welcomed with traditional rituals. She gently kicks a pot of rice at the entrance, symbolizing prosperity, and steps into her new life with her husband’s family. This marks the beginning of her role as a wife and daughter-in-law.

Sikh Weddings

Sikh weddings, known as Anand Karaj, meaning "Blissful Union", are deeply spiritual and rooted in Sikh traditions. Unlike extravagant multi-day weddings, Sikh weddings focus on simplicity, devotion, and the sacred bond between the couple. The values ​​that are within us. While celebrations often include music, dance, and joyous gatherings, the core of a Sikh wedding revolves around the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the holy scripture of Sikhism.

Pre-Wedding Rituals

Roka & Kurmai (Engagement)

The journey to marriage begins with the Roka ceremony, where both families formally acknowledge and bless the couple’s commitment. This is followed by the Kurmai, the official engagement, usually held at a Gurdwara (Sikh temple). Here, the groom is presented with a kara (iron bracelet) and a gold ring, symbolizing his commitment. Families exchange sweets, gifts, and blessings to mark the occasion.

Chunni Ceremony

This is a special moment for the bride, where the groom’s family presents her with a red or pink chunni (scarf), symbolizing their acceptance of her into their family. She is also gifted jewelry, clothes, and sometimes a small token of gold to signify prosperity.

Mehendi & Sangeet

Like many Indian weddings, Sikh weddings also include a Mehendi ceremony, where the bride’s hands and feet are adorned with henna. The Sangeet is a lively musical night filled with folk songs, boliyaan (Punjabi lyrical verses), and vibrant dance performances.

Jaggo – The Night of Festivity

One of the most exciting pre-wedding rituals is Jaggo, which literally means "wake up!" The bride’s and groom’s families light an oil lamp in a decorated pot and dance through the streets or around their homes, singing traditional songs. This symbolizes spreading joy and inviting the community to celebrate the upcoming wedding.

The Wedding Day: Anand Karaj Ceremony

The Sikh wedding takes place in a Gurdwara, where the couple seeks the blessings of Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The ceremony is spiritual, serene, and filled with meaningful rituals.

Baraat & Milni

The groom arrives at the Gurdwara with his baraat (wedding procession), accompanied by family and friends dancing to the beats of dhol. Upon arrival, the Milni ceremony takes place, where both families exchange garlands and embrace, signifying the union of not just the couple but also their families.

Anand Karaj – The Sacred Union

The wedding ceremony itself is known as Anand Karaj, meaning "Blissful Union." The couple sits before Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and prayers are recited. The most significant moment is the Laavan—four sacred hymns that the couple walks around Guru Granth Sahib Ji to complete. Each round represents a step towards a lifelong spiritual and marital journey.

Ardaas & Langar

After completing the Laavan, the couple and congregation participate in Ardaas (prayers) to seek blessings. The ceremony concludes with Karah Prasad, a sacred offering, and Langar, a community meal that is a symbol of equality and togetherness in Sikhism.

Post-Wedding Rituals: A New Beginning

Doli – The Emotional Farewell

Just like in other Indian weddings, the bride's farewell is an emotional moment. She bids goodbye to her parents and leaves for her new home. As she departs, she throws rice over her shoulder, symbolizing gratitude and a wish for prosperity in her parental home.

Paani Varna – Welcoming the Bride

Upon reaching the groom’s home, the bride is welcomed with a traditional Paani Varna ceremony, where she steps into her new home while being showered with blessings. The family then enjoys another round of celebrations, often with more music and dance.

Reception – The Grand Celebration

Though not a religious requirement, Sikh weddings often conclude with a reception party. This is a fun-filled evening with music, dancing, and an elaborate feast where the newlyweds celebrate with friends and extended family.

Are modern Indian weddings different from traditional ones?

As in other parts of the world, in India too, the modern information age allows us to expand our boundaries and choose to marry authentically - following our inner feelings, not just traditions that have been cultivated for centuries. Many couples are thinking sustainably, choosing digital invitations, plastic-free decor, biodegradable plates, and organic wedding attire. Also the idea of getting married in an exotic location, like a palace in Udaipur or a beach in Goa, is becoming increasingly popular. International destinations like Bali, Thailand, and Italy are also gaining traction - these choices are exactly the same as those for European couples planning their weddings. The modern open world, which gives us information and knowledge, creates the opportunity to choose our own authentic path and use those traditions that are truly important to us because of their essence. With an increase in interfaith and intercultural marriages, weddings now blend traditions from different religions and ethnicities. For example, a Sikh-Hindu wedding might include both an Anand Karaj (Sikh ceremony) and pheras (Hindu vows). Likewise, minimalist weddings are getting popular – some couples are moving away from traditional extravagance and choosing small, intimate weddings with close family and friends, and instead of the standard scripted vows, many couples are writing their own heartfelt promises. Additionally, while traditional bridal attire remains popular, some brides and grooms experiment with pastel lehengas, Indo-Western outfits, and contemporary accessories.

Do Indian weddings always have big guest lists?

Traditionally, yes. Indian weddings have long been associated with massive guest lists, sometimes exceeding 500–1,000 attendees. In many Indian communities, inviting extended relatives, family friends, neighbors, and even acquaintances is considered a social obligation. Weddings are seen as a community event rather than a private affair.

However, modern couples are breaking this norm. Due to rising costs, venue constraints, and a preference for a more intimate experience, many millennials and Gen Z couples are opting for smaller, more exclusive guest lists under 200 people.

Some couples prefer a "close family only" wedding with just 50–100 guests. This allows for a more meaningful connection with each attendee. Some couples skip the big wedding altogether and choose a court marriage or a private beachside ceremony with just a few witnesses. A growing trend is to have two events—one small, intimate wedding and a larger reception later.

That said, many families still take pride in grand, large-scale weddings, ensuring that everyone—from distant relatives to childhood friends—gets a seat at the celebration!

Author: Ieva Simanoviča