Vivaha (wedding) (विवाह)

This is the fifteenth of the sixteen samskaras, the life-cycle ceremonies of Hindu tradition. It is performed in adult life.

What it is

The marriage ceremony, the central samskara of the householder. Its main elements across India are the welcome of the groom, the giving away of the bride (kanyadaan), the sacred fire as witness, the seven steps (saptapadi), and the blessings of elders. Rituals differ greatly by region and community.

What is usually done

A havan, the saptapadi, garlands, vermilion or a mangalsutra in many communities, and a feast.

Why it matters to families

The samskaras mark the stages of a life and bring the family and community together at each of them. Families keep as many as suit their tradition and their circumstances. Many keep the ceremonies that remain popular (naming, first food, first haircut, the thread, wedding and last rites) and treat the rest as a prayer of blessing.

See the full list of sixteen.

Read next

• Antyeshti (last rites) (अन्त्येष्टि)
• Samavartana (समावर्तन)

These pages describe common practice in plain words. Customs differ by region, community and family, and your own family's tradition and a priest of your community come first. Dates of auspicious times change every year: ask a priest or use a trusted panchang. Nothing here promises any result.