Types of Marriages in India

3 years ago

Marriage is considered to be a very pious act in India. It is also a matter of huge celebration as it is a milestone in any person’s life. The one thing that is common between all the wedding types that take place in India is the grandeur of festivities and celebrations taking place. In the marriages of all faiths, there is a grand ceremony organised, where lots of guests come at the event wearing nice clothes and especially the bride and groom get ready in extremely beautiful attires. Lots of dishes and cuisines are cooked for the guests to enjoy the ceremony to the fullest. People also dance in groups to celebrate the event of a wedding. So here, let us have a look at types of Marriages in India and some details about them.

Hindu Marriage

The Hindu wedding ceremony follows the Vedic rituals. The three main rituals known as Kanyadaan, Panigrahana and Saptapadi are followed. Kanyadaan means gifting the girl by parents, Panigrahana means to join the hands of bride and groom, Saptapadi means both the bride and groom make seven rounds around the fire (pheras) while each round symbolises one promise that they make to each other. There are many variations in the Hindu marriage also like in Southern India, some communities don’t light a fire and ceremonies happen during the day while in Bengal, the ceremonies happen during evening. In the Hindu weddings, there is also a ritual of engagement ceremony some days before the actual wedding. In it, the bride and groom exchange their wedding rings and other gifts. In the wedding ceremony, the custom of exchanging garlands also takes place and then finally the groom makes the bride wear a mangal sutra. Hindu marriage act was enacted in 1955, under which the marriages are registered.

Muslim Marriage

A Muslim Marriage in India follows the Islamic traditions. The attires of Bride and Groom are very beautiful. The wedding ceremony is called Nikah and is administered by a Maulvi. Reading of the holy book Quran takes place and then the bride accepts the groom’s proposal by saying ‘Qubool Hai’. The Muslim Marriages are registered under the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act of 1937.

Parsi Marriage

Many rituals, customs and ceremonies are performed in a Parsi Marriage for 3 days and then after on the 4th day, the final wedding ceremony takes place. Silver coins are exchanged between the families of the bride and groom in a ceremony. The Parsi Marriages are registered under the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act of 1936.

Court Marriage

Although anyone can do court marriages as per their wish, but it is prevalent amongst the Inter-Faith and Inter-community marriages. These marriages are registered under the Special Marriages Act, 1954 which also applies to Indian Nationals living in foreign countries. In these types of marriages, the registrar is given a 30 day prior notice with all the required details of bride and groom. On the marriage day, they are present before him with all the documentation and witnesses and thus the marriage takes place.

Sikh Marriage

The Sikh Marriage ceremony takes place blissfully inside the premises of a Gurdwara. Before the main wedding ceremony, a ‘Milni’ takes place where the families of the Bride and Groom meet each other. After this, some stanzas are recited from their holy text and both the bride and groom take rounds (pheras) around the Holy scripture Guru Granth Sahib together. Earlier, Sikh Marriages used to be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, but now are registered under the Anand Marriage act.

Christian Marriage

Christian marriages are a symbol of the beautiful blend of Indian and Western traditions and customs. Both the bride and groom wear gorgeous apparels in the Wedding. Some unique traditions like the feast, the toast and the bouquet are all followed in Christian marriages. Christian marriages are conducted by a minister or a priest in the church. The Christian marriages are regulated under the Christian Marriage act 1872 which applies throughout India, with some places being exceptions.

Buddhist Marriage

Buddhist Marriages are one of the most simple and elegant marriages that take place in India. They are presided over by Buddhist monks and are taken place in front of a portrait of Gautam Buddha. This type of marriage emphasizes on finishing up the vows. Buddhist Marriages are officially registered under the Special Marriage Act of 1954.

Jain Marriage

In a Jain Marriage, pre marriage ceremonies take place such as Khol Barana (the inauguration) and Tikka or Tilak. Many beautiful ceremonies and customs like Pheras also take place during the wedding. After the wedding, a unique custom takes place in which the members of the families of the Bride and Groom go to a Jain temple to feed the poor. 

Suyash Ranjan

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