​HINDU PRIEST SERVICES​

                 Vijesh Khetia

Hari Aum​

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​Kanya Daan

Kanya means bride and daan means giving her hand in marriage to the groom. Before kanya daan, the bride’s parents honour her by washing her right toe, symbolising her the goddess of wealth (Laxmi). The kanya daan ritual consists of three steps.

• Varmala - A cotton thread, looped 24 times to represent human virtues, is placed around the couple’s shoulders, symbolising their bond and shared responsibilities as husband and wife.
  
• Cheda bandhan - (Tying the knot) A scarf is tied between the groom’s shoulder and the bride’s sari, representing the union of their souls.
  
• Hasta Melap - (Joining of the Hands) Scriptures say there is no greater gift than giving a daughters hand in marriage. Brides parents take their beloved daughters hand and place it on the grooms right hand. The couple then vows to love, care for, and remain faithful to each other throughout life, before sitting together as husband and wife.
  

Agni Pooja  and Yagna

The priest sets up a small sacred fire in the centre of the mandap inviting Agni dev (God of fire) as the supreme witness to the marriage. The couple offer barley to Agni dev and in return be blessed with light, love, happiness and knowledge.

Mangal Phera

TThe couple circles the sacred fire four times, symbolising their life journey together. Before each round, the bride’s brothers place barley and sesame in their hands to offer into the fire, blessing them with a happy and secure life. Each round represents one of the four aims of life in the Vedas:

• Dharma - Duty and righteousness
  
• Artha - Prosperity and wealth
  
• Kama - Passion and energy in life
  
• Moksha - Liberation and bliss
  

Saptapadi - The seven vows

The couple walk seven steps together marking their walk of life together. Each step represent a sacred vow that the couple promise to each other and to God. This ritual symbolises food, strength, wealth, happiness, children, sustenance and unity.

Sindoor and Mangal sutra

The groom places the red vermillion powder in the bride's hair parting as a sign of endless love. He then gifts and welcomes her into his life by offering a gold and black beaded necklace. This is a symbol of their marriage and love to each other. 

Akhand Saubhagyawati and Kansar (Feeding each other)

Married women from both families whisper lifelong blessings into the bride’s left ear.
The couple then feed each other three times, symbolising care, sharing, and mutual support. They promise to share everything in life equally and live together in harmony and sweetness.

Ashirvad (Blessings) and Viddai (Farewell)

Finally, the couple touch the Brahmin’s feet and receive blessings from elders for a happy married life before departing for their home.This is an emotional moment for the bride and her parents, as family and friends bless the couple and wish them a successful and joyful married life.