Hindu Wedding (Vivah) in Varanasi

Vivah Sanskar (Hindu Wedding Ceremony) samagri list

• 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

The Pandit confirms the final list for your family's vidhi, and Pandit ji can arrange the samagri in Varanasi at an additional cost, agreed after discussion.

Vivah Sanskar (Hindu Wedding Ceremony) vidhi, step by step

1. 1Ganesh Puja and Sankalp. The ceremony begins with worship of Lord Ganesha and a sankalp stating the couple’s names, gotras, place and date.
2. 2Var Puja and Jaimala. The groom is welcomed by the bride’s family, and the couple exchange garlands as a mark of mutual acceptance.
3. 3Kanyadaan. The bride’s parents or guardians place her hand in the groom’s, entrusting her with love and blessings, as per family custom.
4. 4Agni Sthapana and Havan. The holy fire is established and offerings are made with Vedic mantras, with Agni as the witness of the marriage.
5. 5Panigrahan and Pheras. The groom holds the bride’s hand and the couple circle the fire, reciting vows traditionally associated with each round.
6. 6Saptapadi. The couple take seven steps together, each accompanied by a mantra and a shared promise.
7. 7Sindoor Daan and Mangalsutra. The groom applies sindoor and ties the mangalsutra, following the family’s regional practice.
8. 8Ashirvad. Elders and guests bless the newly married couple, and the Pandit concludes with prayers and aarti.