Hindu wedding cards

Hindu Wedding card or Lagnpatrika symbolizes the actual ceremony in a wedding. It is not just a document that lists different events performed during a wedding; it has special relevance in Hindu Weddings. 
It is rather strange but true that in Hindus, even if you are uncle/aunt of the bride or the bridegroom, you may not come into the wedding if you are not invited through a wedding card. 
Wedding card may also become a symbol of prestige or honor. It is very important to choose a right Wedding card for a wedding in India. There are various kinds of wedding cards available. Each wedding card differs in its style, presentation, and outlook. Not just that, even the material of the wedding card can be different depending upon the tradition and the custom and apparently the desire.
There are different events that are performed during a wedding and to invite guests Hindu use Lagnpatrika. Here, we are providing you a brief summary of the events that can help you in understanding the Hindu Weddings in a better manner:
==Hindu Marriage==
Hindu wedding ceremonies are traditionally conducted at least partially in Sanskrit, the language in which most holy Hindu ceremonies are conducted.
 
===Barni Bandhwana===
During this puja, a piece of mauli (thread) is tied to the hands of the groom, and his parents. This puja is done to make a humble request to Lord Ganesh that the wedding happen without any problems.
===Mamara ===
Maternal uncle is an important ceremony, common to both the bride and the groom's families. This ceremony is performed by the maternal uncle of the groom/bride, who, along with his wife and family, arrives with much fanfare, and is received by the bride/groom's mother with the traditional welcome. The clothes that the uncle gives are then worn by the family during the wedding.
===Sangeet Sandhya===
The sangeet sandhya is an evening of musical entertainment. The bride's family puts on a show for the groom and bride. Included as part of this event is an introduction of all the family members for the bride.
===Tilak Ceremony===
Tilak is a mark of auspiciousness. It is put on the forehead using Kumkum, a red turmeric powder. The male members of the bride's family, like her father, brother, uncles place a tilak on the forehead of the groom. 
===Mehendi Lagwana===
Another name for “Vivaah” is “haath pila karna” or simply translated, making hands yellow. Mehendi (henna) is applied to the bride's hands and feet. In the right hand, a round spot is left open for Hathlewa.
== During marriage festivities ==
===Barat Nikasi===
The groom, leaves for the wedding venue riding a decorated horse or elephant. This is a very colorfull and grand ceremony. The groom is dressed in a sherwani (long jacket) and 'churidars' (fitted trousers). On his head he wears a 'sehra' (turban) with a 'kalgi' (brooch) pinned onto it. The turban usually has flowers extending from it to keep the grooms face covered during the wedding ceremony.
Before he departs, his relatives apply the ceremonial 'tilak' on his forehead and his sister feeds the horse or elephant sweetened grain. The 'baraat' (consisting of the groom seated on the horse or elephant, and relatives and friends of the groom) is headed by the dancing of the congregated folks. Accompanied by the rhythm of the north Indian dholak, the baraat reaches the place of the wedding.
Upon arriving at the venue of the wedding, the groom is welcomed by a welcome song. This is called "talota". Then the groom knocks on the door with his sword and enters.
===Var Mala or Jay Mala ===
The groom is led to a small stage where he is greeted and “showered” by the bride's family with flowers. The maternal uncle, brother or brides' best friends bring the bride to the stage. The bride and the groom are handed the garlands while the priest is chanting the religious hymns. Following this, the groom and bride exchange garlands, which are the var mala or te jay mala, signifying their acceptance of each other as husband and wife.
===Aarti ===
The 'baraatis' (groom's party) are received by the bride's family and at the entrance to the wedding venue. The bride's mother welcomes the groom by performing the 'aarti' (traditional Indian welcome ritual with a lamp or 'diya' placed on a platter or 'thali') to welcome her son-in-law and placing a tilak on his forehead
===Baasi-Jawari===
This event takes place the day of the wedding. The bride's sisters hide the groom's shoes and ask for money if he (groom) wants them back and be able to go home with the bride. This is very famous event that is portrayed in various bollywood movies.
===Kanya Daan ===
Means Gifting away virgin, has been derived from the Sanskrit words Kanya which mean a virgin and Daan which mean donation. Kanya Daan is a very significant ritual performed by the father of the bride in presence of a large gathering that is invited to witness the wedding. The father pours out libation of sacred water symbolizing the giving away of his virgin daughter to the bride groom, who is a form of god. The groom recites Vedic hymns to Kama, the god of love, for pure love and blessings.
As a condition for offering his daughter for marriage, the father of the bride requests a promise from the groom for assisting the bride in realizing the three ends :
dharma, 
artha, 
and kama. 
The groom makes the promise by repeating three times that he will not fail the bride in realizing dharma, artha and kama.
This ritual is performed early on before Phere. 
This must be remembered that in Hindu Wedding, the bride and groom marry each other and the priest only assists with the Mantra. He can not declare them married as no authority is vested in him to do so. Agni, gods and the invited members of the family and friends are the witness.
===Panigrahana Hathlewa ===
After being led to the wedding mandup, the bride and groom have their hands tied together. The priest does a puja to Lord Ganesh and then puts a coin & mehendi on the bride's right hand where the round empty spot is (where no mehendi was put) and ties his hand with the brides. This puja is done schedule in advance based on an auspicious time & date.
===Gathabandhan===
In this ritual priest tying a knot using the ends of the clothing worn by the bride and groom. The priest ties the end of the groom's dhoti or the kurta; whichever he is wearing, with that of the bride's saree, the knot signifying the sacred wedlock.
==See also==
*Hindu philosophy
*Hindu Wedding
*Marriage in Hinduism
*Puja
==References==
Category:Indian wedding
Category:Hindu marriage