India is a country with many different cultures, and about 10 million weddings take place each year, making it one of the busiest places for weddings in the world. Exploring the different types of Indian weddings reveals beautiful vedic traditions, rituals, and customs.
India is a big country. It is the seventh-largest country by area and is currently most populous in the world.
Each state in India has a unique history, customs and culture, dress code, festivals, language, cuisine, and wedding ceremony rituals. These Indian culture traits have moved across the globe as people have migrated.
For an Indian wedding photographer like me, that makes for creating stunning photography for couples.
From grand multi-day ceremonies to intimate one-day events, weddings in India are a mix of sacred rituals and joyous celebrations. Pre-wedding events such as the engagement party, haldi, mehendi, and Roka ceremonies offer unique glimpses into the vibrant Hindu culture that make these weddings special.
Here, as a photographer, I’ll provide general ideas and inspiration to help you understand and appreciate the wide range of traditions that shape these extraordinary celebrations.
As people from all parts of India have moved abroad, these deeply rooted wedding traditions have spread across the globe.
Indian couples now bring their rich wedding customs and ceremonies to countries like the UK, USA, Saudi Arabia, UAE Dubai, Malaysia, Mauritius, Australia, Kenya, Spain, Italy, Greece, South Africa, Omen, and Canada, often incorporating them into modern celebrations. From intimate Mehendi nights to grand Sangeet performances, wedding events abroad reflect a blend of traditional practices with contemporary influences, creating a fusion of cultures that resonate deeply with both the couple’s heritage and their new communities.
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Different Types of North Indian and South Indian Weddings in Hindu Culture
Weddings in India vary greatly based on regional and cultural traditions. North Indian and South Indian weddings follow distinct customs, reflecting the diversity of marriage ceremonies across all the states in India: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat ,Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal
1. Bengali Wedding Ceremony
Bengali weddings are steeped in tradition and elegance. The bride traditionally wears a red or white saree with gold embroidery, while the groom dons a white dhoti and kurta. A unique ceremony called Subho Drishti takes place when the bride, covering her face with betel leaves, slowly reveals it to the groom. Other key ceremonies include Saat Paak, where the bride circles the groom seven times while being carried by her brothers, and Sindoor Daan, where the groom applies red sindoor (vermillion) to the bride’s hair parting. The wedding celebrations conclude with Bou Bhaat, a reception where the bride is formally welcomed into her new home.
2. Christian Wedding
Christian weddings in India are conducted in churches, following traditional customs. The bride walks down the aisle in a white gown, escorted by her father, while the groom waits at the altar. The couple exchanges vows, rings, and is blessed by a priest. After the ceremony, a reception follows with cake-cutting, music, and dancing. In some Indian Christiancommunities, Roce, a pre-wedding ritual where a paste made of turmeric and coconut milk is applied to the bride and groom for purification.
3. Punjabi Wedding
Punjabi weddings are lively, colourful and enjoyable. Pre-wedding ceremonies include Roka (engagement), Mehendi(henna application), and Sangeet, a night of singing and dancing. The groom arrives on a decorated horse in a Baraat, accompanied by family and friends dancing to dhol beats. The wedding takes place in a Gurudwara or a venue with the Anand Karaj ceremony, where the couple walks around the Guru Granth Sahib four times. The post-wedding Vidaai marks the bride’s emotional departure from her parental home.
4. Gujarati Wedding
Gujarati weddings are known for their playful and energetic atmosphere. The Hindu marriage festivities include Garbaand Dandiya Raas dances. A unique ritual, Ponkvu, involves the groom being welcomed by the bride’s mother, who playfully tries to grab his nose. The wedding consists of Kanyadaan, Hasta Milap (joining of hands), and Mangal Pheras around the fire. A fun post-wedding game, Aeki Beki, has the bride and groom searching for a ring in a bowl of water, signifying harmony in their marriage.
5. Muslim Wedding (Nikah)
A Muslim wedding, or Nikah, is a sacred union conducted by a religious leader (Qazi). The bride and groom, in the presence of witnesses, agree to the marriage by saying “Qubool Hai” three times. A Nikahnama (marriage contract) is signed, and the groom gives the bride a Mehr (a gift of money or valuables). The wedding is followed by a Walima, a grand reception hosted by the groom’s family. Brides often wear intricately designed Lehengas with a Dupatta covering their head.
6. Buddhist Wedding
Buddhist weddings are simple and spiritual. The ceremonies take place in a monastery or temple, where monks offer prayers and blessings. Unlike other weddings, there are no elaborate religious rituals; instead, the couple takes vows based on Buddha’s teachings. After the ceremony, a small reception is held, usually featuring a vegetarian feast.
7. Hindu Wedding Ceremony
Hindu weddings vary across regions but share some key rituals. The Ganesh Puja is performed for blessings, followed by Kanyadaan, where the bride’s father gives her away. The Hindu couple takes seven steps, Saptapadi, around a sacred fire, symbolising their commitment. The groom ties a Mangalsutra around the bride’s neck, marking their marriage. The ceremony ends with Vidaai, where the bride emotionally leaves her parental home to start a new life.
8. Jain Wedding
Jain weddings emphasise spirituality and simplicity. The rituals include Lagna Lekhan (fixing the wedding date), Pherearound the sacred fire, and Granthi Bandhan (tying of knots to symbolise unity). Food served at the wedding is strictly vegetarian, and alcohol is not permitted.
9. Kannada Wedding
Kannada weddings start with Nischay Tamulam (engagement) and Naandi Puja (prayers for a smooth ceremony). A unique ritual, Kashi Yatre, involves the groom pretending to renounce marriage and go on a pilgrimage until he is stopped by his maternal uncle. The wedding includes Pheras, the tying of a Mangalsutra, and a post-wedding feast featuring Karnataka’s traditional cuisine.
10. Maharashtrian Wedding
Maharashtrian weddings are simple yet rich in rituals. Sakhar Puda (engagement) and Haldi (turmeric ceremony) precede the main wedding. A curtain separates the couple during Antarpat, and once removed, they exchange garlands. The couple then takes Saptapadi, sealing their vows. Karmasampati, a concluding prayer, marks the end of the ceremony.
11. Marwari Wedding Rituals
Marwari weddings are lavish and royal. The Tilak ceremony marks the formal union of the families, followed by Mehendi and Sangeet. The groom arrives in a grand Baraat, sometimes on an elephant or horse. The wedding includes Pheras, and post-wedding rituals include Bidai, where the bride throws rice behind her as she leaves her home.
12. Sikh Wedding (Anand Karaj)
A Sikh wedding, or Anand Karaj, takes place in a Gurudwara, where the couple walks around the Guru Granth Sahibfour times while hymns are sung. The wedding is deeply spiritual, and there is no dowry system in Sikh culture. The celebrations end with a Langar (community meal) for all guests.
13. Kashmiri Wedding Day
Kashmiri weddings begin with Kasamdry (engagement) and Devgon (a purification ritual). These North Indian wedding includes Lagan (marriage ceremony) and traditional feasting. A post-wedding ritual, Posh Puza, involves covering the couple with a flower-adorned cloth while elders bless them.
14. Pahari Wedding
Pahari weddings from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand incorporate nature-centric traditions. Key rituals include Dham(feast), Chak Puja (ancestral prayers), and Gharoli, where holy water is fetched for purification. The bride often departs in a Palki (palanquin).
15. Kerala Wedding
Kerala weddings vary by community. Hindu Malayali weddings involve Thalikettu (tying the Mangalsutra) and Sadhya(a grand feast). Christian weddings are held in churches, while Muslim weddings include Nikah and Mahr. Most Kerala weddings are brief, yet elegant.
16. Parsi Wedding (Lagan)
A Parsi wedding, or Lagan, starts with the Achumichu ritual, where an elder purifies the couple using rice and water. The ceremony is held in an Agiary (Fire Temple), with prayers for the couple’s happiness. The celebration concludes with a grand feast featuring traditional Parsi delicacies.
17. Assamese Wedding
Assamese weddings, or Biya, are simple yet culturally rich. The rituals begin with Juran Diya, where the groom’s mother gifts the bride. The groom arrives in traditional attire, welcomed with ceremonial water and betel nuts. Key customs include Saptapadi (seven steps around the fire), the exchange of garlands, and Biya Naam, where traditional wedding songs are sung. The ceremony concludes with Bidai, as the bride departs for her new home.
18. Key rituals of Rajasthani wedding
Rajasthani weddings reflect the region’s royal heritage. The Tilak ceremony marks the formal alliance, followed by Pithi Dastoor (turmeric ritual) and Mehendi. Traditionally, the groom arrives in a grand Baraat on a decorated horse or elephant. The wedding features Pheras around the sacred fire, concluding with Bidai, the bride’s emotional farewell.
Celebrating Indian Marriage: A Blend of Tradition and Culture
Marriages in India are a beautiful reflection of the country’s diverse cultures, traditions, and rituals. Each community brings its unique customs to the celebration, making every event special and no two weddings are the same. Whether grand or simple brahma marriage, these ceremonies symbolise love, unity, and the coming together of couples as husband and wife, and their families. Hiring the services of a wedding planner Although the Indian community continue to evolve and spread across the world, they remain deeply rooted in tradition while embracing modern influences.
Hire A Wedding Photographer Who Provides Stunning Photography
If you’re planning any of these different types of marriages, I would love to photograph your special day. As a professional wedding photographer, I specialise in documenting the beauty, emotions and traditions of every wedding for the bride and groom. Contact me and let’s discuss your wedding photography needs.
Bipin Dattani
Wedding photographer in Pinner, England
28 Hillview Rd, Pinner HA5 4PA
07930 324833