A one-to-one consultation with a Jyotish-trained Pandit for Kundali Milan, wedding muhurat and guidance on Vedic traditions, in person in Varanasi or online.
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Agni Dev, Lord Ganesha and the family deities
Vivah Sanskar (Hindu Wedding Ceremony)
The Vedic wedding ceremony, from Ganesh Puja and Kanyadaan to the holy fire, Saptapadi and Sindoor Daan, conducted by experienced Pandits as per your family’s tradition.
In-person3 to 5 hours (varies by tradition)Also: Hindu VivahAlso: Shaadi Puja
Overview
What is Vivah Sanskar (Hindu Wedding Ceremony)?
Vivah Sanskar is one of the most important of the sixteen Hindu sanskars. It is the holy ceremony through which two people, and their families, are joined in a lifelong bond witnessed by Agni, the holy fire. While the celebrations around a wedding vary widely, the core rituals, Kanyadaan, Panigrahan, the pheras around the fire and Saptapadi, are shared by most Hindu communities.
In Varanasi, weddings are conducted at homes, community halls, hotels and wedding lawns across the city, and some families choose a ceremony with a view of the Ganga. Our Pandits conduct the vidhi in Sanskrit, with explanations in Hindi or English where the family wishes, so that both families and guests can follow the meaning of each step.
Every family and region has its own customs, North Indian, Maithil, Bengali, Marwari, South Indian and many more. The Pandit discusses your tradition in advance and follows it, keeping the ceremony dignified, well-paced and in step with the muhurat.
माङ्गल्यं तन्तुनानेन मम जीवनहेतुना।
कण्ठे बध्नामि सुभगे त्वं जीव शरदां शतम्॥
Māṅgalyaṁ tantunānena mama jīvanahetunā, kaṇṭhe badhnāmi subhage tvaṁ jīva śaradāṁ śatam.
Significance
In Hindu tradition, marriage is regarded as a sanskar rather than a contract, a holy commitment to walk together through dharma, artha, kama and moksha. The vows taken around the fire are traditionally understood as promises of mutual respect, support and companionship, made before the deities, the elders and the community.
Saptapadi, the seven steps taken together, is traditionally considered the moment at which the marriage is complete. Each step carries a blessing, for nourishment, strength, prosperity, happiness, family, harmony in the seasons of life and lifelong friendship, reflecting the ideals families have long associated with a shared life.
Who performs it
- Couples who wish to marry according to Vedic Hindu rites
- Families planning a wedding in Varanasi, whether local or travelling from elsewhere
- Couples who had a registered or court marriage and now wish to hold the traditional ceremony
- Families seeking a Pandit who can follow a specific regional or community tradition
When to perform
- On a vivah muhurat chosen from the Hindu calendar, usually after matching the couple’s details
- Most families avoid periods such as Kharmas and Chaturmas, following their own tradition
- Wedding seasons in North India commonly fall between November February and April June
- Timing of the pheras is set by the Pandit around the chosen lagna on the wedding day
Traditionally associated with
- Traditionally performed to seek the blessings of the deities and elders for the couple’s new life
- Families perform it to sanctify the union according to Vedic custom
- The vows are believed to establish a foundation of mutual respect and shared duty
- Brings both families together in a meaningful, shared ritual
- Honours family lineage and cultural heritage for the next generation
These are traditional beliefs associated with the ritual. Pujas are acts of devotion and are not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.
How the puja is performed
- 1
Ganesh Puja and Sankalp
The ceremony begins with worship of Lord Ganesha and a sankalp stating the couple’s names, gotras, place and date.
- 2
Var Puja and Jaimala
The groom is welcomed by the bride’s family, and the couple exchange garlands as a mark of mutual acceptance.
- 3
Kanyadaan
The bride’s parents or guardians place her hand in the groom’s, entrusting her with love and blessings, as per family custom.
- 4
Agni Sthapana and Havan
The holy fire is established and offerings are made with Vedic mantras, with Agni as the witness of the marriage.
- 5
Panigrahan and Pheras
The groom holds the bride’s hand and the couple circle the fire, reciting vows traditionally associated with each round.
- 6
Saptapadi
The couple take seven steps together, each accompanied by a mantra and a shared promise.
- 7
Sindoor Daan and Mangalsutra
The groom applies sindoor and ties the mangalsutra, following the family’s regional practice.
- 8
Ashirvad
Elders and guests bless the newly married couple, and the Pandit concludes with prayers and aarti.
The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.
Samagri (puja materials)
- Havan kund, dry wood and ghee
- Havan samagri
- Kalash, mango leaves and coconut
- Roli, kumkum, haldi and chandan
- Akshat (unbroken rice)
- Flowers and garlands (including jaimala)
- Paan leaves, supari and cloves
- Diya, cotton wicks and camphor
- Puffed rice (lajja) for the lajja homa
- Sindoor and mangalsutra
- Fruits and sweets for offering
- Gathbandhan cloth (dupatta or stole)
- New clothes for the couple as per custom
- Seating (patla or aasan) for the couple and parents
Samagri can be arranged on request. We'll share a list suited to your vidhi before the day.
What's included
Usually included
- Experienced Pandit(s) for the full wedding vidhi
- Sankalp with the couple’s names and gotras
- Pre-wedding call to understand your family and regional customs
- Complete vidhi as per tradition, with explanations if desired
- Samagri can be arranged on request
- Guidance on muhurat and the ritual sequence on the day
Not included
- Venue, decoration and mandap setup
- Catering and guest arrangements
- Travel and stay for Pandits outside Varanasi
- Marriage registration and legal documentation
Duration: 3 to 5 hours (varies by tradition). Inclusions are confirmed for your booking on WhatsApp.
In-person puja
A Pandit performs the ritual at your home, office or chosen venue in Varanasi or Hyderabad. We help with muhurat, samagri and preparation.
Available in
More cities are coming soon.
Vivah Sanskar (Hindu Wedding Ceremony) across regions
The same ritual goes by different names in different traditions. Whichever name your family uses, we can help.
- Vivah
- Hindi
- Shaadi
- Hindi
- Kalyanam
- Telugu
- Thirumanam
- Tamil
- Maduve
- Kannada
- Lagna
- Marathi
- Biye
- Bengali
- Hindu Wedding Ceremony
- English
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Vivah Sanskar (Hindu Wedding Ceremony) FAQs
How much does a Pandit for Vivah Sanskar cost in Varanasi?
It depends on the vidhi, number of Pandits, samagri, venue and the length of the ceremony. Share your date, venue and family tradition on WhatsApp and we will get back with a quote.
Can the Pandit follow our regional wedding tradition?
Yes. Wedding customs differ between communities, so the Pandit speaks with your family beforehand and follows your tradition as closely as possible.
How is the wedding muhurat decided?
The muhurat is usually chosen from the Hindu calendar after considering the couple’s details. If you do not yet have a date, you can request a Kundali consultation first.
How long does the wedding ceremony take?
The core rituals usually take 3 to 5 hours. Some traditions include additional rituals before or after, which can extend the timing.
We are travelling to Varanasi for the wedding. What should we plan for?
Book the venue and Pandit early, especially during peak wedding season. Carry any family-specific items such as heirloom jewellery or clothes; other samagri can be arranged locally on request.
Can the ceremony be explained in English for guests?
Yes. On request, the Pandit can briefly explain the meaning of each ritual in Hindi or English while the mantras are recited in Sanskrit.
Related
Rituals often explored alongside Vivah Sanskar (Hindu Wedding Ceremony)
A calm, traditional puja families perform to seek blessings when marriage plans feel delayed or uncertain, conducted as per your family’s custom.
Details Book nowWorship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, traditionally offered before new beginnings and at the start of every major ritual.
Details Book nowA beloved household puja to Lord Vishnu as Satyanarayan, with the five-chapter Satyanarayan Katha, commonly held on Purnima or after a happy milestone.
Details Book now
शुभं भवतु
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