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Indian Wedding Customs
There are many variations in the rituals and wedding ceremonies in Hinduism. One thing that is quite common however is that the majority of Hindu parents seek out prospective matches for their sons and daughters. The prospective mates are usually from their own caste and community.
Another widely practiced ritual is to match the jathakam or janampatri (Hindu horoscope) of the prospective spouse with the assistance of a holy priest.
Mehndi is a widely practiced ritual involving the bride-to-be. The bride's feet and hands are adorned with mehndi, also known as henna dye. Intricate patterns and designs are painted on her hands and feet. Other female family and friends are also invited to have their hands decorated. The bride's hands often contain the initials of the groom. On the wedding night, the couple then search for the initials. This is a game that is played to make the bride and groom more relaxed and at ease with each other.
A cleansing ceremony called the pithi is performed on both the bride and groom separately. A turmeric based paste is spread over the body of the bride by female members of her family. The paste is believed to have skin-lightening and beautifying properties. The groom is also cleansed by female members of his own family.
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