The Ultimate Guide to the Hindu Marriage Ceremony & 2026 Vivah Muhurat

1. Ganesha Puja & Punyahavachanam

No auspicious Hindu ceremony begins without invoking Lord Ganesha, the Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles). The Pandit chants mantras to ensure the wedding is completed without any hurdles. This is immediately followed by Punyahavachanam, where a Kalash (copper pot) filled with holy water and mango leaves is used to purify the mandap space, the puja samagri, and the minds of the couple.

2. Var Aagman & Madhuparka (Welcoming the Groom)

When the groom arrives at the mandap (Var Aagman), he is not just seen as a man, but as an embodiment of Lord Vishnu. He is welcomed by the bride’s father who washes his feet and offers him a seat. He is then offered the Madhuparka—a highly symbolic mixture of honey, curd, and ghee. This sweet offering represents the expectation that the groom’s speech and actions will remain sweet, healthy, and nourishing throughout the marital journey.

3. Kanyadaan (The Gift of the Maiden)

Kanyadaan is considered the highest form of Daan (donation/gift) a householder can perform in their lifetime. The bride’s father places his daughter’s right hand into the groom’s right hand, pouring holy water over them. By doing this, he “gives away” his most precious daughter, asking the groom to never fail her in his pursuit of Dharma (duty), Artha (wealth), and Kama (love). The groom accepts, acknowledging the profound responsibility.

4. Panigrahana (Holding the Hand)

The groom accepts the bride by holding her hand firmly. As he does this, he recites Vedic mantras promising lifelong protection. He says, “I hold your hand for the sake of happiness, that you may live to a ripe old age with me as your husband. The divine gods—Bhaga, Aryama, Savita, and Purandhi—have given you to me to fulfill the duties of a householder.”

5. Agni Pradakshina / Mangal Phera

The couple walks around the holy fire, with their garments tied together (Gathbandhan), signifying the union of their souls. Usually, four rounds are taken. The first three rounds are led by the groom, symbolizing his leadership in providing Dharma, Artha, and Kama. The final round is led by the bride, symbolizing her leadership in guiding the family toward Moksha (spiritual liberation).

6. Laja Homa (Offering of Puffed Rice)

The bride’s brother places puffed rice (Laja or Lava) into the bride’s cupped hands. The groom places his hands beneath hers, and together they offer it into the blazing sacred fire. This beautiful ritual symbolizes a prayer to Yama (the Lord of Death) to grant the groom a long, healthy life, ensuring the bride is never widowed and their lineage prospers.

7. Saptapadi (The Seven Holy Steps)

This is the legal and spiritual climax of a Hindu wedding. The couple takes seven steps together towards the North, taking seven specific vows. According to the Hindu Marriage Act, the marriage is legally binding only after the seventh step is completed.

• Step 1: For nourishment, food, and provisions.
• Step 2: For physical, mental, and spiritual strength.
• Step 3: For wealth, prosperity, and righteous living.
• Step 4: For mutual happiness, trust, and knowledge.
• Step 5: For healthy, righteous children (Progeny).
• Step 6: For a long life together in peace.
• Step 7: For eternal friendship, loyalty, and companionship.

8. Sindoor Daan & Mangalsutra

To finalize the physical transition, the groom applies bright red vermilion (Sindoor) to the bride’s hair parting and ties the Mangalsutra (sacred golden necklace) around her neck. These are the physical markers of her new status as a married woman and the revered goddess of her new home (Grihalakshmi).