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A
Aadyaraathri
It is a Malayalam word meaning "First Night" of the wedding. "Aadya" is first and "Rathri" is night in Malayalam.
Aarsimashaf
The word refers to reading of the Muslim holy book "Quran" at the time of the Muslim Wedding.
Aarti
A ritual which involves circulating a plate containing a well illuminated lamp around the face of the bride or the groom.
Aashirwad
Blessings given by the elders to the newly wedded couple.
Aathgath
The cash and salt gifted during Kashmiri Weddings.
Acharya
The word refers to the chief priest who performs all the religious rites and ceremonies pertaining to marriage.
Achkan
It refers to the long gown traditionally worn by men during weddings. This garment is like a coat, reaches below the knees and has long sleeves.
Adapradhaman
The word refers to the special desert offered to the guests during Malayalam weddings. This sweet dish is also popularly referred to as "Payasam".
Adravanu
The engagement ceremony of Malayalam Weddings is known by this name.
Agarbatti
Smoke Sticks that effuse a very nice fragrance when burnt.
Agni Sakshi
Agni means Fire and Sakshi means Witness. The word refers to getting married with the fire as witness of this tying of knots.
Aliyan
This word means brother in law for the Christian community of Kerala.
Amaavasi
This word refers to the No moon night.
Ambalam
The word means "Temple" in Malayalam language.
Ambalappuzha
It refers to the Krishna Temple in the Ambalappuzha town of Kerala.
Antham chaarthu
This Malayalam word refers to a special marriage function held in Kerala.
Arasanikkal
Marriage is a very sacred ceremony. So the spot where it is to held needs to be sanctified. This is done by making a stand with bamboo branches.
Arundhati Nakshatra
The word refers to praying to Arundhati and Vashisht.
Athiraathram
During the nuptial ceremony, several prayers are offered to God and this refers to one of those very special prayers.
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B
Babul
The word refers to the bride's father.
Bachelor Party
As is evident from the very name, this is a special party which is arranged to celebrate the end to bachelorhood just on the previous night of the wedding. The groom's friends generally take the initiative of organizing such a party.
Bahu Bhaat
On the second day of the wedding, this traditional ceremony is held. The wife serves food to the members of the family for the first time after marriage.
Bandhu Veedu
Refers to the husband's family in case of the wife. It is just the reverse in case of the husband; the term then goes on to refer to the wife's family.
Banshi Biye
In traditional Bengali weddings, this ceremony takes place just on the day after the wedding.
Basar ghar
This is also a custom of traditional Bengali weddings. On the night of the wedding, young friends and relations of the bride and groom gather around both of them. They sing, dance and engage themselves in a lot of fun and frolic.
Bhabhi
The word refers to brother's wife.
Bhagwan
God, the almighty
Bidaai
After the wedding, it is time for the bride to leave her father's home and go to her husband's home. In Hindu weddings, this traditional ceremony is referred to by this name.
Bou bhat
This is yet another custom of traditional Bengali weddings in which the new bride serves rice to the family members for the first time.
Brahma
Hindus believe this god to be the maker of the universe.
C
Chaitra
According to the Hindu calendar, this is the first month of the year and it roughly corresponds to the month of March in the Gregorian calendar.
Chandan
Refers to Sandalwood. It constitutes one of the most important ingredients of Hindu weddings
Chautanan
An important post wedding ceremony in Hindu marriages
Cheka
Refers to Engagement ceremony
Choli
The blouse that is worn by women during weddings, it is an integral part of the traditional wedding garment.
Chudi
Bangles or the ornament worn around the wrist
Chunni
The Veil that covers the head and face of the bride
D
Daan
The offerings given by the bride's family during weddings
Dahej
Dowry
Dampathi
The husband and wife taken together
Devar Samardhne
The blessings of the lord are sought by the newly wedded couple so that they can share a happy life together in this special ceremony.
Devtas
All the Gods and Goddesses in the Hindu Pantheon
Dhashina
The newly wedded couple gives gifts to the elders of the family and seeks their blessings after the wedding ceremony. These gifts are referred to as Dhashina.
Dhoti
A traditional men's garment. Like the sari, this too is unstitched. It is a 5 yard long rectangular piece of cloth that is wrapped around the waist.
Doli
When the bride leaves for her husband's home after marriage, the vehicle she goes in is the doli.
Dulha
The bridegroom
Dulhan
The bride
E
Ek Jot Doe Murti
This age old saying means one spirit in two bodies.
Engagement
In this ceremony the man and woman who have decided to spend their life together mutually promise to get married in the presence of the friends and relations of both the families.
Eswar
God
G
Gae Halud Tattava
It is customary for the groom's family to send gifts to the bride's house on the morning of the wedding in traditional Bengali weddings. The most important item send is the 'halud' or turmeric which is applied to the body of the bride before she is bathed that day.
Galsedi
This ceremony welcomes the bride to her new home
Ganesh Pooja
Lord Ganesh is an important god in the Hindu Pantheon. And "pooja" means worship. Ganesh Pooja implies worshipping Lord Ganesh and seeking his blessings.
Garhi - Bukhi
It is customary to offer prayers to both the bride's and the groom's mothers. This special ceremony is known by this name.
Ghidhari
Ancestors are invoked and their blessings are sought in this prayer ceremony.
Grahapravesam
The entering of the bride to her new home is marked by a ceremony that is better known by this name.
Grihasta
Refers to one's matrimonial standing
Gurdwara
Place of worship of the Sikh community
Guru Granth Sahib
Religious book of the Sikh community
H
Haldi Ceremony
A ceremony in which haldi or turmeric is applied to the bride to enhance her beauty.
Haligandun
Kashmiris wear a very special belt when they get married and that typical belt is known by this name.
Halwa
A sweet dish voraciously savored by all during wedding celebrations.
Havan kund
It is the vessel where the sacred fire is lit
Henna
A greenish paste is made with this leaf which is then used to draw designs on the brides' hand.
Homam
The fire which is lit for worshipping and sacrificing, it is also the witness to the marriage.
J
Jaathakam
In Malayalam language, this word means horoscope
Jaggo
On the eve of the wedding, a ceremony takes place in Sikh weddings that is known by this name.
Janampatri
Also meaning Horoscope
K
Kalayana Mandapam
The hall where the marriage ceremony takes place
Kaleechairs
The groom presents special rings to the bride's sisters who is his sister in law and these rings are the Kaleechairs
Kaleva
After the sister is married, a formal invitation is given by the brother asking her to come to her maternal home
Kaliras
Gold and silver jewellery worn by North Indian brides
Kalyanamau
Malayalam word meaning marriage
Kangna
A kind of ornament, akin to a Bracelet
Kangna Bandhana
In this ceremony, the newly wedded couple put on bracelets
Kangna Kholna
Bracelets are taken off by the married couples in this ceremony
Kanishran
Prayers are recited while the bride is bathed in milk and that is known as Kanishran
Kankana Shastra
The blessings of God are sought by the wedded couple. They offer their prayers.
Kanya Daan
It refers to the ceremony when the bride is given off by her father or someone who is a father figure in her eyes to the groom.
Karva Chauth
It is a festival for married women. They fast all day long and pray for the well being and long lives of their husband. They break their fast only after the moon is out in the sky and they have seen their husband's face in the light of the moon.
Kashi Yatra
Customary in South Indian weddings for the newly wedded couple to undertake this pilgrimage
Kohvar
The nuptial bed
Kumar pet ka bhaat
It is customary for the mother of the would be bride to feed her daughter in this traditional ceremony
Kuvardhoti
The new bride is given many gifts by her in laws. One such ceremonial gift is the Kuvardhoti.
L
Laadi
The bride who will be getting married
Laaja- havan
In this traditional ceremony, the maternal uncle puts on rings around the bride's toe
Ladis
Rows
Lagan
The marriage ceremony
Lagan mahurat
The favorable time within which the marriage rituals should start commencing
Lajahom
Both the bride and the groom offer Puffed rice to the sacred fire
Laung
A nose ornament
Lava Chidakna
The taking of the seven steps around the sacred fire
M
Maala
Garland of flowers
Maang
The hair parting where married Hindu women put vermillion.
Maanziraat
The custom of decorating the bride's hand with beautiful designs of mehendi
Magha
A particular month of the Hindu calendar which roughly coincides with mid January and mid February of the Gregorian calendar
Magni
The Engagement Ceremony
Mahurat
The auspicious time within which the marriage ceremony should start
Maika
The bride's paternal home
Mala Badal
The Bengali custom of exchanging of garlands between the bride and the groom
Manamal
The bride and the groom tie a golden thread around their foreheads that is known by Manamal.
Mandap
The spot where the wedding ceremony will be taking place
Mangal Ghot
The vessel where the sacred water is kept stored
Mangal Sutra
The wedding necklace made of black beads
Mangalayam
The ritual of stringing the Mangal Sutra around the bride's neck
Manglik
An unusual state in a person's horoscope
Mantra
Chanting of the religious verses
Matha Tekna
Bending down one's head in front of the elders to seek their blessings
Mauli
A sacred thread red in color
Maulvi
A Muslim priest
Mehendi
The greenish paste with which designs are drawn on the bride's hand
Meher
Sometimes the groom's family also pays dowry to the bride's family and that is known as Meher
Milni
The custom of extending a warm welcome to the groom and the other members of his family at the bride's home
Minji
The custom of adorning the toe of the groom with rings
Mithai
Sweets
Mooh Dikhai ki Rasam
Mooh is face, dikhai is showing and rasam is custom, so the phrase refers to the custom of showing the bride's face and introducing her to the members of her husband's family.
Moti ki Sehra
The veil of pearls for the bridegroom
Murthasaese
A ceremony in which the newly weds receive the blessings of their families
N
Naandi
This is a pre wedding ceremony in which both the bride and the groom are given a ritualistic bath and pooja is also held
Nagoli vasthra
The custom of welcoming the son in law to the bride's family
Nai Badya
Special offering to the Gods
Nalagu
Marriage ceremony
Namaskaram
Joining of hands in front of the elders as a sign of respect to them and seeking their blessings before starting the journey together
Narivan
A holy necklace made of multi colored cotton threads
Nariyal
Coconut, this is one of the most essential ingredients in Indian marriage ceremonies
Nath
A piece of jewelry for the nose worn by brides
Navagraha Pooja
Worshipping of the nine planets of the universe
Nikaah
It is the contract signed between the bride and the groom in Muslim weddings
Nikasi
A rite after which the groom leaves for the bride's home to get married
O
Oonjal
This is the same as Bengali Malabodol or exchanging of the garlands between the bride and the groom
P
Paath
At the time of the marriage ceremony, the special prayers which are chanted are known as Paath
Panchang
A Hindu calendar according to which the wedding dates of most of the communities of India are decided
Pandit
The Hindu priest who presides over the rites and rituals of the wedding ceremony
Patrika
A marriage contract for Hindus
Phool Sajja
In Bengali weddings, the bed for the bride and the groom is beautifully adorned with flowers
Poojari
The chief priest in Hindu weddings
Pradhishanam
The custom in which the bride and the groom hold each others hands and go around the wedding mandap three times
Puhiyaapla
The newly wedded Muslim man
Q
Quwwali
A kind of song generally sung in Muslim weddings
Qoran or Koran
Muslim holy book
R
Reception
A grand dinner is arranged as part of the wedding celebrations
Rumalla Sahib
The four pieces of cloth that are used for covering the Holy Book
S
Saali
The wife's sister is the husband's Saali
Sacrament
A significant custom of religion
Sadaya
A special treat that is given after the wedding
Saagai
Engagement ceremony where the would be bride and groom decide to marry each other
Samooha Vivaham
Several weddings taking place at the same time and at the same venue
Sangeet
An important pre wedding ceremony in Hindu weddings
Shagan
Engagement ceremony in Sikh weddings
Sindhooram
Vermillion that a married woman applies on the parting of her hair to indicate that she is married
Sthreedhanam
Dowry
T
Tanchoi
A kind of fabric that is used in making saris
Tangail
This is yet another kind of fabric akin to cotton that is used for making saris mainly in the state of West Bengal
Tappas
A collection of marriage songs
Tattava
It is customary in Bengali weddings to send Tattava or gifts from the bride's family to the groom's family and vice versa
Thaali
The sacred necklace which the groom puts around the neck of the bride
Thaalikettu
It refers to the ceremony in which the Thali is tied around the neck of the bride
U
Uptaan
The custom of applying turmeric paste on the bride to enhance her beauty
Urdha-morthu
The religious custom of grinding lentils at the time of the wedding
Uroos
Muslim bride
V
Vaana
The formal promise of getting married
Vadava Vanu
The ceremony of sending the bride to the home of her husband
Vadhu pravesh
The ceremony which marks the bride's entry to her husband's home
Vag
Gold strings
Valeena
Reception given in Muslim weddings
Valima
An Islamic wedding reception
Vanwa
Oil Ceremony
Var ponke
The ceremony which welcomes the bridegroom to the bride's home
Vara pooja
Worshipping in honor of the groom
Varmaala
The garlands which are to be exchanged during the wedding ceremony
Varghodo
The groom arrives at the wedding venue in a procession along with his relatives and that is known by this name
Variv
Kashmiri for husband's home
Varova
A ritual which takes place 8 days after the wedding
Vidai
The ritual after which the bride leaves for her husbands' home
Vivaha
The wedding ceremony
Vivaha Hawan
The holy fire lit at the time of the wedding ceremony.
Vridhdhi
This is a custom followed in traditional Bengali weddings in which worship is done as a mark of respect to the forefathers of the bride and groom
W
Wachuns
Kashmiri wedding songs
Wadio
A piece of jewelry worn round the neck
Wari
Gifts sent to the bride by the groom's family
Y
Yedur Kansani
The women folk from both the bride and the groom's family meet and exchange greetings and that ceremony is known by this name
Yegnopavit
It is customary for Hindu Brahmin men to wear a sacred thread. The ceremony in which they wear this thread id Yegnopavit
Yoni
The starting point
Z
Zang
Gifts given to the newly wedded couple as a symbol or sign of all the goodness that lies ahead of them
Tourtoindia.com offers online information on Glossary of weddings in India. For further online information on wedding tourism in India, keep browsing the pages of this site. In case you have any queries fill up the form below
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