Indian Christian wedding has its own charm in India and an important part of Indian culture. However, the Christian population is very less as compared to Hindu and Muslims in India. The Christian wedding rituals are very simple and sober as compared to other Indian weddings. You can view a visual treat in the Christian wedding. The Christian wedding rituals are conducted in the presence of Christian Bride & Groom, their respective families, relatives and friends. Their wedding rituals are spread over the pre-wedding, wedding and post wedding too. Let’s take a look at some important Christian wedding rituals in India.
Engagement Ceremony: This ceremony is generally announced in Church in the presence of both the families. This is one the most important and first rituals conducted before Christian wedding. The engagement ceremony is generally conducted by the bride’s family. Family members of both the families attend this ceremony. The couple exchanges rings on this occasion in front of family and friends.
Bachelor and Hens parties: It is a trend that is gaining popularity among the young people in India. The brothers and friends of the groom host a bachelor’s party for him. The party is conducted to celebrate and enjoy the last day of his bachelorhood. On the other hand, a similar kind of party is organized by the bride’s sisters and friends. It is known as hen’s party.
Roce ceremony: This special ceremony is popularly known as Haldaat in Christian families in India. The ceremony is all about having fun and applying the paste of turmeric and sandalwood on both bride and groom. This ceremony is very significant among the North Indian Christians. This Haldaat ceremony of North India is known as Roce in other states of India. In other western and southern states of India, the coconut paste is applied on both bride and groom instead of turmeric and sandalwood paste.
Bridal reception: On the wedding day, the bride arrives at the wedding venue in a car, which is generally sent by the groom. His best man receives the bride and escorts her inside the Church. After that, father of the bride escorts her down the aisle on the other side of which her groom patiently awaits for her. He hands over his daughter to the groom and gave his best wishes and blessings for their happy future.
Exchange of wedding vows: Both, the bride and the groom write their own wedding vows, which they read out to each other at the time of wedding. These vows are messages of love and respect that they have for each-other. It is symbol of their true love and commitment for their new beginning.
“I do”: After reading all the wedding vows, the priest asks both the Christian bride & groom for marriage if they agree to love and cherish each other in the health and sickness for as long as they live? In return, the couples reply to this by saying “I Do”. Then, the priest announces them husband and wife.
Indian twist to Christian wedding: Traditionally, in Indian Christian wedding the groom ties the ‘Thali’ or ‘Mangalsutra’ around the neck of the bride instead of exchanging the rings. However, the trend of exchanging the ring is also gaining popularity among young Indians.
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