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Watercolor illustration of a garlanded Ganesha idol beside a brass kalasha and oil lamp, with hands offering marigold flowers.
01

Ganapathi Pooja

An invocation to Lord Ganesha at the start of the ceremony, seeking blessings and removal of obstacles.

Watercolor illustration of water being poured over a brass ritual vessel during the sankalpam intention-setting.
02

Sankalpam

The priest and families formally state the intention of the wedding ceremony, grounding the rituals in purpose and prayer.

Watercolor illustration of a ceremonial cloth held up between hands before the wedding reveal.
03

Antarpat

A ceremonial cloth is held between the couple before the auspicious reveal, marking the transition into the wedding vows.

Watercolor illustration of two crossed flower garlands held by hands for the garland exchange.
04

Maalai Maatral

The couple exchanges flower garlands as a gesture of welcome, acceptance, and mutual respect.

Watercolor illustration of water poured over joined hands during the kanyadanam blessing.
05

Kanyadanam

The bride's family blesses and entrusts her hand to the groom, often symbolized with water and joined hands.

Watercolor illustration of the sacred mangalsutra thaali thread held close before it is tied.
06

Mangalya Dharanam

The groom ties the mangalsutra or thaali, marking the sacred commitment of marriage.

Watercolor illustration of the sacred wedding fire with ghee, ladles, and offerings.
07

Vivaha Havan

The sacred fire is lit as Agni witnesses the wedding vows and offerings.

Watercolor illustration of puffed rice being offered into the sacred fire.
08

Laja Homa

Puffed rice is offered into the sacred fire as prayers for prosperity, blessing, and shared life.

Watercolor illustration of seven small step markers beside the sacred fire for the saptapadi.
09

Saptapadi

The couple takes seven steps together, each step representing a vow for their life ahead.

Watercolor illustration of silver toe rings being placed on the bride's feet.
10

Metti

Silver toe rings are placed on the bride's feet, a South Indian symbol of married life.

Watercolor illustration of hands pointing toward the Arundhati and Vasishta stars in a night sky.
11

Arundhati Darshan

The couple is shown the Arundhati and Vasishta stars, symbolizing steadfast partnership.

Watercolor illustration of elders offering akshathai and flowers in blessing.
12

Veda Aashirvadham

Priests and elders bless the couple with Vedic chanting, flowers, and akshathai.

Watercolor illustration of an offering thali with cloth and gratitude gifts for the acharya.
13

Acharya Sambhavana

The families honor the priest or acharya with gratitude for guiding the sacred ceremony.