Marriages in India
Diverse culture and traditions of Indian marriages
Islamic marriage
Muslim marriage customs
India is a land of extensive cultures, languages, religions, festivals and traditions. Here, numerous festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm. India defines diversity, which is reflected in Indian weddings as well. Marriage in India is no less than a festival and is filled with rituals and celebrations that continue for several days. A wedding in India is not only a union of the bride and the groom, but also of families, social circles, friends and culture. Weddings are seen as a colorful and cultural extravaganza. What makes them even more special are the values that are alive in this ceremonious and cultural event have been passed down through the founding forefathers of cultural India.
Diverse culture and traditions of Indian marriages
Marriage traditions in India are as diverse as its people, culture and state. Marriages in India include a number of rituals and customs, which is different for every religion and caste. Many age old practices, which form the foundation of our society and are therefore, followed by generation over generation, owing to the deep faith. A string of rites and rituals are followed not only on the wedding day, but also before and after. However, these rites and rituals are not one and the same throughout the country. Different regions of India follow different customs. Each of these customs holds a special meaning and significance though the prime intention of these customs is the well being of newlyweds, their happiness, harmony and prosperity.
Islamic marriage
Islam is one of the important religions in the world with over 1.6 billion devoted followers. Wedding is an integral part of Islamic culture, also mandated by the Holy Quran as one of the primary duties of a Muslim. It entitles a Muslim to continue and multiply Islam through his family and future generations. Marriage in Islam is viewed as a religious holy obligation, a contract between the couple and Allah. Muslim marriage law differs vastly from marriage laws of other religions. The Prophet Muhammad is believed to have said that marriage is obligatory for every physically fit Muslim, that marriage is equal to jehad (holy war) and that he who marries completes half his religion, while the other half is completed by leading a virtuous life.
Muslim marriage customs
Islamic marriage customs and rituals vary depending on country of origin and government regulations. But both Muslim men and women from around the world are guided by Islamic laws and practices specified in the Quran. Though the muslim shaadi ceremonies may differ according to the region, sects and customs of the people involved. But, every wedding has one significant purpose to it - celebrating the sacred union of two people and families.
The pre-wedding ceremonies include the Istikhara, where religious heads of the Muslim community come together to pray to Allah and seek his consent and blessings to commence the wedding. Then, the Imam-Zamin ritual is performed where the groom's mother visits the bride's house bearing sweets and a gold or silver coin that is wrapped inside a silk cloth which is tied around the bride's hand. The Mangni, also known as the engagement ceremony, is performed during which the boy and the girl exchange rings. Haldi, Mehndi and Sanchaq ritual are also other pre-wedding functions.
The actual wedding ceremony, known as the Nikah, is conducted in presence of the Maulvi (religious priest) and close family members from both the sides. The Arsi Mushaf Ritual is then performed where the newly married couple gets a chance to see each other for the first time after the marriage is solemnised, through a mirror that is kept between the bride and the groom.
An Indian wedding is truly a festival in itself, with so much of color, vibrancy, food, people, rituals, music, fun and frolic.









