A Hindu Wedding and Celebration! Runeet & Mayank (Part 2)

posted in Wedding 7
Taking photographs at Runeet and Mayank’s Hindu ceremony was a special experience. The Hindu wedding is full of traditions and customs, some of which date back thousands of years. This was only my second Hindu wedding experience, and it was humbling to witness and listen to the Brahman as he recited sacred verses.
Inside the temple were large statues of the Hindu Gods, Shiva, Krishna, and others. They watched over as the Brahman performed various rituals and traditions. For example, a sacred fire was lit and the bride and groom walked around it. At the beginning of each step, a Vedic mantra was recited to invoke the blessings of Maha Vishnu. After seven mantras, the couple took their seat next to the fire and conducted another ritual where ghee (clarified butter) was poured over the fire. This was repeated 16 times, and each time a mantra was recited for blessing the marriage.In another ritual, Runeet cupped her hands and they were filled with parched rice. Mayank poured a drop of ghee to the rice and recited 5 Veda mantras. At the end of each mantra, the rice was thrown into the fire as offering to the Agni. Through these mantras, Runeet prayed for a long life for her Mayank and a marriage filled with harmony and peace.

Runeet and Mayank’s reception was so much fun. I immediately noticed that both families love to have a good time and dance. As soon as the first beat of music hit, the entire dance floor was full, and remained that way for the entire night. Everyone was dancing- young, old, men, women, aunts, uncles, children, friends, and family. Good music and lots of laughing, drinking, and good times!  I’ll admit… it was really tough to not join the dancing, especially when everyone was having such a good time!!  The reception was so much fun, and that was thanks to all the family and friends who made it special!

The pictures below are just a tiny glimpse into the fun times during the reception!