In North India, the Hindu groom usually arrives on a horse, but this is Singapore. So, like all other grooms, he comes in a car and is usually accompanied by a young nephew or cousin wearing a similar outfit, and who acts as his protector.
According to tradition, once the groom enters the ceremonial venue, the bride’s wedding party will hide his shoes to ensure he will not run off during the marriage.
After the groom takes his place on the stage, the bride makes her entrance, and they exchange garlands as a gesture of acceptance of one another and a pledge to respect each other. Later, the couple walks seven steps together around the holy fire to honour their vows to each other.
He then ties a sacred black thread around her neck and applies a small dot of vermilion powder to the bride’s forehead and welcomes her as his partner for life. To complete the ritual, the parents of the bride and groom must give their blessings.
Text: Felicia Tan/Her World
