An Indian marriage is always a special occasion. It is an affair to be enjoyed and celebrated. A Hindu marriage is an elaborate social function and ceremony. It involves many family customs and ceremony. It involves many family customs, rituals and merry ? making. These customs and ceremonies observed during the marriage date back to thousands of years. In India marriage is not a social contract but joining of hearts and families.

There are long and elaborate preparations and arrangements. Long before the actual marriage ceremony there are folk songs, music and dancing. The bride and the groom are given a royal treatment in their respective homes. There are special bathing and message sessions for days together before the marriage. These rituals are performed before the marriage songs and music. Special prayer and sweets are offered to lord Ganesha, the god of success and happiness. But now things are becoming more simple and easy.

The bridegroom comes to the house of the bride riding a decorated mare. He is dressed like a prince and wears a sehra, a kind of crown. He also carries a sword in his hand. A big band plays before him and a large group of baratis follow him. The marriage procession passes through main bazaar and streets. On the way to the bride?s house there is a lot of dancing, singing and fire ? works.

The actual marriage ceremony takes place at night in the presence of all the guests and hosts. The priest recites mantras from the holy scriptures. The couple is made to have seven rounds of the sacred fire. They take vow to be faithful to each other in the presence of the holy fire and all the people. Finally, the couple joins hands amidst chanting of mantras and blessings. India marriage solemnizes union of tow hearts and two families. It means a new alliance and friendship between two families and social groups. Socially, it is very important occasion. It marks a milestone in an individual?s life. It is also marked by very expensive and impressive feast. The quests enjoy many types of sweets and other dishes specially prepared for the occasion.

The bride wears costly costume specially prepared for her. In her bridal finery and ornaments, she looks like a princess. But giving and taking of dowry on this occasion is an evil custom. This evil custom should be checked and eradicated. It is shameful blot on the fair name of Indian marriage and society. Otherwise it is very social, religious marriage and society. Otherwise it is very social, religious and colorful ceremony in which all the relatives take part. Finally, the groom returns to his home with his bride. Then there are some other rituals and ceremonies however of minor nature. Thus, an Indian marriage is not just a private affair but a great social custom and celebration. It is this aspect of the marriage which makes it an occasion of sanctity and social value.