The ceremony may vary a great deal depending on local customs. There are some basic rituals that are observed at most ceremonies. A priest will recite some hymns from the scriptures. The bride and groom will offer grains and ghee to the fire. This is to obtain blessings of higher beings.
Fire is considered to be the witness to the ceremony.
The bride and groom will walk around the fire four times. Every time the bride will put her right foot on a piece of rock. This is to symbolise her steadfastness in carrying out her duties as the wife. As a symbolic gesture, the bride and groom take seven steps together. The first step is for God.