Indian Wedding Photographer Toronto

Weddings in India are famous for their vibrant colors, rich traditions, and elaborate ceremonies. The rituals, customs, and traditions vary greatly depending on the region, religion, and cultural background of the families. Indian weddings can be classified into the following types:

• Hindu Weddings: The most common type of Indian wedding is a Hindu wedding. A series of rituals and ceremonies last for several days during these festivals. Typically, there are engagement ceremonies (sagai), mehndi (henna) ceremonies, sangeets (musical evenings), turmeric applications, and a main wedding ceremony (pheras) around a sacred fire. The elders also bless the couple, exchange garlands (jaimala), and tie the knot (kanyadaan) at Hindu weddings.
• Sikh Weddings: Anand Karaj, or Sikh weddings, are elegant yet simple. A gurdwara (Sikh temple) is where the bride and groom circumambulate the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy book) four times while hymns are sung. Symbolizing their spiritual union, the couple takes the caravan, which involves walking around the Guru Granth Sahib four more times. There is a strong emphasis on equality, community, and devotion to God in Sikh weddings.
• Muslim Weddings:  Muslim weddings, also called Nikahs, follow Islamic traditions. Typically, they are held in a mosque or at the bride’s home. A marriage contract (nikahnama) is signed by the couple, and the bride accepts the proposal (qubool hai). An Imam or religious authority conducts it. A Muslim wedding often involves the exchange of rings, the reading of Quranic verses, and the blessing of the couple.
• Christian Weddings: Christian weddings in India follow Christian traditions. The elements differ depending on the denomination, but most include a church ceremony officiated by a priest or minister, the exchange of vows, the exchange of rings, and the ordinance of marriage. Rituals may also include lighting the unity candle, signing the marriage register, and blessing the couple by the priest at Christian weddings.
• Jain Weddings: Weddings conducted by Jains follow Jain traditions and rituals. The ceremony involves rituals such as the arrival of the groom (baraat), the exchange of garlands, and the recitation of auspicious mantras. Mangal phera is the main ceremony that involves the couple walking around a sacred fire. Simplicity, non-violence, and spiritual purity are the hallmarks of Jain weddings.
• Parsi Weddings: Zoroastrian customs govern Parsi weddings. Priests typically officiate these ceremonies in fire temples. As they exchange vows, they are symbolized by the holy fire, a symbol of purity and strength. A Parsi wedding also involves rituals like the exchange of rings, blessings from the priest, and the showering of rice and rose petals.
• Punjabi Weddings: Punjabi weddings, a subset of Sikh weddings, are known for their exuberance, music, and dance. A series of pre-wedding rituals characterize the wedding rituals. Often, pre-wedding festivities include the Roka (formal engagement), the Chunni (gift exchange and bride-to-be wearing a red scarf), and the Mehndi (henna application). It consists of exchanging garlands and taking the caravan, a four-time walk around the Guru Granth Sahib. Dance, singing, and feasting continue during the reception (Walima).