Gujrati Weddings

Festivals and ceremonies in Gujrat are often celebrated with pomp and grandeur and Gujrati weddings are no exceptions. As part of India, this should not come as a surprise, what with the country known for its colours and glitters. This also translates to a wedding ceremony that is celebrated for days on end and with no expense spared. In fact, out of all Indian weddings, these ceremonies are considered the most interesting, usually held across many Gujrati wedding venues.

Characterised by traditional customs and ritualistic patterns, the weddings have practices similar to traditional Indian marriage, but with the addition of rituals that are uniquely Gujrati. The celebration starts with Sagaii or engagement, where the community first gives their formal approval of the union. Leading up to the wedding, a Grihshanti Pooja is performed for the peace and prosperity of a home, and then the Garba dance that is done the night before the wedding.

As one of the most prominent Gujrati Weddings in London, Cavendish Banqueting are proud to have hosted thousands of such functions and can offer a personalized service that is second to none.

Gujrati Weddings Include Rituals:

Wedding Procession

Also known as Baraat, this refers to the singing and dancing procession of the groom and his entourage to the venue. In the past, the procession starts from the groom’s house and ends at the bride’s home where the ceremony will take place. Since modern couples book wedding venues, the practice has been altered accordingly. The entire entourage is then greeted by the bride’s parents and family at the doors of the venue, a practice known as Swagatam.

Worship of Lord Ganesh

This marks the beginning of the ceremony, where people pray for Lord Ganesh for a successful event.

Welcoming of the groom at Gujrati Weddings

While the groom sits under the mandap (wedding tent), the bride’s parents then wash his feet and offers him a drink made of milk, honey, sugar, yogurt and ghee.

Giving away of the daughter at Gujrati Weddings

Before the father, uncle or guardian of the bride gives her away, she first spreads turmeric powder on her hands, symbolising her acceptance of her change of status.

Wedding

Called the Vivaaha, this is the part where the priest ties the bride’s sari to the groom’s shirt that signifies their sacred union. This is followed by the couple giving each other garlands and then exchanging rings.

Circumambulation of the sacred fire

In seeking prosperity, good fortune and fidelity, the bride and groom circles the sacred fire three times whilst holding hands, offering oblations and reciting Vedic hymns at the same time. They will then touch each other’s heart and pray for the unity of their minds and hearts.

Seven sacred steps at Gujrati Weddings

This the most important part of a Gujrati wedding. The bride and groom take seven steps around the sacred fire, while making promises to each other. Call it seven sacred vows, if you will.

The groom then ties a thread that bears the marks of Vishnu and Shiva around the bride’s neck, and then applies sindoor (red powder) on her hair. The wedding culminates when the parents of the groom blesses the couple and then welcomes the bride, followed by the rest of the assembly.

What follows after is the famous Gujrati wedding reception.

This is where we come in – with over 10 years of experience looking after Gujrati wedding receptions, we know exactly what to do to ensure you and your guests have the time of your life.