where she and the groom place garlands over one another in accordance with ancient customs, to demonstrate their free choice and acceptance of each other. Kanyadaan: The bride's parents apply 'tikka' on the couple and the bride's father performs the 'kanyadaan' (giving away the bride). This is done by tying the hands of the bride and groom together in a marital knot known as the 'hast melap'. The bride's right hand is placed in the groom's right hand and they reach out over the unlit fire below. With this gesture the father of the bride symbolises this promise; " I offer you this most precious gift of my daughter to take as your own, to cherish and to protect." The bride's mother connects the couple by tying the 'varmaala' (a length of sacred red thread) across them and looping it like a garland over their hands. Mangal Phera: The Priest lights the sacred fire amidst Vedic chants. The couple circle the fire four times to represent the changes in their lives -- Dharma, practice of religious rites in daily life, Artha, fulfilling responsibilities in daily life (prosperity, health and wealth), Karma, fulfilling duties as parents and Moksha, liberation and salvation. Saptapadi: The couple takes seven steps together which represents the journey through life in which the couple will be inseparable. These steps signify the components of an ideal marriage -- sufficiency of food, health, wealth and it's correct use to procure education and culture, peace of mind, fruitfulness, mutual respect