Vivaah Sanskaar (Short)

The VIVAAH SANSKAARA:

SWAAGAT:

Welcoming of the groom’s party¹. The two fathers (or lead members of the bride’s party and the groom’s party) accept each other as equal parents to the bride and groom.

PARICHAN

Distinct and separate from welcoming the groom’s parents and guests, this is a special welcome ceremony for the groom. It is also referred to as dvaar pooja, where the groom is welcomed at the door or threshold of the place of the wedding ceremony.

The mother and other female relatives welcome the groom and shower rice and grains over him, signifying best wishes for prosperity and contentment. The bride’s mother also welcomes her “new” son to sit beside her daughter for the exchange of vows. Using the arati and tilak, she prays that the groom is safeguarded from any evil or negative forces away from the groom.

MANDAP SVAAGATAM

At this stage, the bride and groom are to enter the place of the wedding, that is, to approach the vedi. All are invited to stand respectfully as the bride and groom enter together. Usually, the song Svaagat sab jan is sung as a welcome.

Song²:
Welcome to our home, this temple of love;
please join our family
Bless our bride & groom, share their happiness,
Give thanks to the Almighty.

God is the Power, our Friend and Brother. He is our savior
May his Grace guide all our actions,
and bliss everyone who’s here
…Please bless every soul that is here
May our home and family earn God’s Blessings
of health and unity
Bless our bride and groom, share their happiness,
Thanks to the Almighty.

Let our Bride & Groom now please enter;
come take your vows on stage
Let God guide every step that you take and
shower you with His Grace
…Shower you with His Grace
Declare your love, with the bless of parents,
Thanks to the Almighty.
We all bless you with health and happiness
and life of unity.