Nihal and Avani's Grand Celebration

Om Namo Venkatesaya Shree Swaminarayano Vijaytetaram
August 14, 2022

1. Samaya

Nihal’s jaan (wedding procession) arrives with family, friends, music and dancing.

2. Pokhana Vidhi & Kashi Yatra

Avani’s family welcomes the jaan with a few symbolic steps. Nihal shatters a pot, representing the world, signifying the ability to overcome obstacles in marriage. Nihal pretends to leave for Kashi to become a saint but is lured back by Avani’s cousin.

3. Ganesh Puja

Nihal prays to Lord Ganesha,
the remover of obstacles.

4. Kanyadaanam

A curtain is placed in front of Nihal on the mandap, after which Avani enters. Avani’s parents wash Nihal’s feet, welcoming him in the form of Lord Vishnu. They offer Avani’s hand to Nihal as he promises to love and protect her for life.

5. Sumuhurtham

Avani and Nihal place a mix of jaggery and cumin seeds on each other’s heads at the auspicious time (1:29pm), representing their commitment to each other through sweet and bitter times. The curtain is removed.

6. Mangalsutra & Sindoor Daan

Nihal places a mangalsutra (yellow thread) around Avani’s neck and ties it with three knots to symbolize their physical, mental, and spiritual bonding. He places sindoor (vermillion powder) on her forehead.

7. Talambralu

Avani and Nihal pour flowers and rice mixed with turmeric on one another to symbolize a life full of happiness.

8. Varamala/Jaimala

Avani and Nihal exchange flower garlands to show their acceptance of one another as partners.

9. Brahma Mudi/Granthi Bandhan & Homam

Avani’s and Nihal’s garments are tied together in a sacred knot. They invoke and provide offerings to the sacred fire, which acts as the divine witness to the union between Avani and Nihal.

10. Mangal Phera

The couple circles the sacred fire 4 times, symbolizing life’s attributes: Dharma (duty), Artha (prosperity) Kaama (love, frailty and family) Moksha (spiritual salvation)

11. Saptapadi

The couple take seven steps. With each step, they vow to:
1. Fulfill their duties towards each other, family & society
2. Develop mental, physical & spiritual wellbeing
3. Provide for each other and prosper
4. Grow together in thought and action
5. Raise strong and virtuous children
6. Cherish each other in sorrow and happiness
7. Remain faithful, lifelong partners

12. Akhand Saubhagyavati & Ashirwad

Seven married women bless Avani by whispering Saubhagyavati Bhava (best wishes for eternal bliss) into her ear. The couple seeks blessings of the priest, their families and elders.

13. Arundhati Nakshatra

The priest shows the couple stars within the constellation of Ursa Major. The stars symbolize Saint Vasista and his wife Arundhati as an ideal couple.

14. Vidai

Avani and Nihal begin their journey by leaving the mandap in a vehicle purified with kumkum, rice and flowers.

15. A Message from Avani & Nihal

Avani and Nihal begin their journey by leaving the mandap in a vehicle purified with kumkum, rice and flowers.

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