Credits to Leanne Pais

The rites at an Arya Samaj wedding are like poetry- simple yet enveloped in beautiful symbolism. The couple forms the forefront of the ceremony, in its celebration of togetherness in the truest sense- the couple in place of idols.

It begins with the exchange of garlands by the couple- I accept you to be my partner for as long as I shall live.

The bride then offers honey, ghee and curds to the groom- We will be hospitable to all who come to our home, and I, the bride, am determined to turn any sourness into sweetness.

It is an inclusive ceremony- We give you our daughter, look after her well.

And it is all about the promise- She is mine, as I am hers. 

                                                   Photo credits to – Regan Raj

You are my wife. You are my husband and we are one. Together we can take on the world. Welcome to the rest of our lives.

                                      Photo credits to Nithin – F Shutter Photography

Water from two separate glasses is poured into a bowl, symbolising that two hearts have become one and can never be told apart.

Mantras are prayed and offerings are made to fire as a witness to God.

The groom holds his bride’s right hand as a symbol of trust and a promise to keep her happy as his life’s partner, as they make their symbolic walk around the fire.

                                                         Photo credits to Sudeep

The groom then pledges his love and devotion, while the bride places her right foot on a piece of rock, symbolising the stability of their commitment to each other.

The bride offers puffed rice to the fire- praying for her husband to be blest with a long life. The couple then walks around the fire thrice, symbolising the groom’s happiness to welcome his bride into his house.

And together, the couple takes the seven steps of marriage, symbolising the tying of the sacred marital knot that entwines their lives.

The ceremony comes to an end when the couple is blest by their families and elders.