A
Aadyaraathri
A combination of two Malayalam words namely "Aadya" (first) and "Rathri" (night); this word in the Malayalam parlance refers to the "first night" of wedding.
Aarsimashaf
This term stands for the reading of the Holy Quran by the newly married couple during Muslim weddings.
Aarti
It is a prayer which is uttered in the presence of fire; the fire keeps burning in a container that's especially prepared for this purpose.
Aashirwad
This word means blessing; it forms an essential part of the Indian culture.
Aathgath
This word pertains to Kashmiri Weddings; this signifies a gift of salt and money.
Acharya
An Acharya is an outstanding scholar and teacher who educates by his own example and presides over a marriage ceremony.
Achkan
A long gown, especially meant for men; it is worn during weddings.
Adapradhaman
A special desert, also called "Payasam"; it's offered during Keralian weddings.
Adravanu
The engagement ceremony of Malayalam weddings.
Agarbatti
Fragrant smoke sticks.
Agni Sakshi
The event of getting married where the fire is kept as a witness.
Aliyan
In the wedding ceremonies of Kerala's Christian community, this term refers to the "brother in law".
Amaavasi
This term refers to no moon night.
Ambalam
This Malayalam word stands for a "Temple".
Ambalappuzha
A special temple in Kerala that's devoted to Lord Krishna, the God of Love.
Antham chaarthu
A special nuptial ceremony in Kerala.
Arasanikkal
Assembling a stand using bamboo branches to sanctify the location where the wedding would take place.
Arundhati Nakshatra
Seeking blessings from Arundhati and Vashisht.
Athiraathram
A special prayer that is offered during the wedding ceremony.
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B
Babul
The bride's father.
Bachelor Party
A special party organized by the grooms' friends on the night ahead of the nuptials; this party stands for a symbolic end to bachelorhood.
Bahu Bhaat
A traditional ritual on the second day of the marriage.
Bandhu Veedu
The husband's family unit for the wife and the other way round for the husband.
Banshi Biye
A Bengali rite which takes place on the day following the wedding.
Basar ghar
A Bengali ritual that occurs on the wedding-night.
Bhabhi
Brother's wife.
Bhagwan
God
Bidaai
A customary ceremony where the bride leaves her parental home and proceeds towards her husband's home.
Bou bhat
A Bengali ritual in which the newly married bride offers rice to her new family.
Brahma
The foremost God amongst the Trinity of Gods; creator of the world.
C
Chaitra
The first month in the Hindu calendar.
Chandan
Sandalwood, a significant component for Hindu weddings.
Chautanan
Traditional ceremonies which follow the wedding.
Cheka
The engagement ritual.
Choli
A traditional wedding garment, also called blouse, where the mid-riff remains bare.
Chudi
A customary marriage jewelry that's worn around the wrist.
Chunni
A garment especially meant for the bride; it covers the head as well as a part of the face.
D
Daan
The act of offering charity
Dahej
Money or property that a woman brings to her husband's house after marriage.
Dampathi
The newly wedded couple.
Devar Samardhne
A special ceremony to invoke divine blessings in order to have a happy conjugal life.
Devtas
Gods and Goddesses.
Dhashina
Gifts offered to the elders by the newly wedded couple after the main ceremony.
Dhoti
Traditional Indian men's wear; a rectangular part of an unstitched cloth, generally about 5 yards long, worn around the waist, covering the legs and tied with a knot at the waist.
Doli
The wedding Palaki that's used for the wide's vidaai.
Dulha
Groom.
Dulhan
This term refers to the bride.
E
Ek Jot Doe Murti
A traditional adage which refers to a single spirit residing in two bodies.
Engagement
An agreement or pledge to marry; it also stands for the time between the proposal and the actual wedding ceremony.
Eswar
Deity
G
Gae Halud Tattava
A conventional Bengali ritual where gifts are sent from the groom's house to that of the bride. It includes turmeric; the bride takes a bath with this turmeric.
Galsedi
A ceremonial to greet the newly wed bride in her new house.
Ganesh Pooja
A ceremony in which prayers are offered to the deity of Lord Ganesha.
Garhi - Bukhi
A unique ceremony where prayers are offered to the mothers of both the groom and the bride.
Ghidhari
A prayer ceremony meant to invite the dead ancestors to the wedding and thereby bless the newly married couple.
Grahapravesam
The event which marks the bride's entrance into her new home.
Grihasta
A term which refers to one's married status.
Gurdwara
A place of worship for the Sikhs.
Guru Granth Sahib
The sacred book of the Sikhs.
H
Haldi Ceremony
An event beautify the bride and prepare her for the marriage.
Haligandun
A typically Kashmiri belt that's worn during the marriage ceremony.
Halwa
A sweet dish that's an integral part of the marriage celebrations.
Havan kund
A container in which fire for the sacrifice is lit.
Henna
A greenish paste prepared from natural herbs; some parts of the body like hands and feet are adorned with this paste.
Homam
A sacred fire meant for sacrifice as well as worship.
J
Jaathakam
In Malayalam language, this term stands for horoscope.
Jaggo
A day before the Sikh marriage ceremony, this event takes place.
Janampatri
Horoscope
K
Kalayana Mandapam
A ceremonial marriage hall.
Kaleechairs
Special rings given by the groom to his sister-in-laws.
Kaleva
It is an invitation to the bride from her brother for visiting her maternal home.
Kaliras
Ornaments usually made of gold and silver; worn by North Indian brides.
Kalyanamau
This word in Malayalam means marriage.
Kangna
Bracelet.
Kangna Bandhana
An event where symbolic bracelets are tied on the couple's wrists.
Kangna Kholna
In this ceremony, the newly wed couple unties the bracelets of each other in the attendance of their relatives.
Kanishran
A ceremony where the bride gets a milk-bath amidst the chanting of prayers.
Kankana Shastra
A prayer seeking divine blessings.
Kanya Daan
A ritual where the bride is given off to her husband; generally the bride's father or a member belonging to her paternal clan performs this act.
Karva Chauth
It is a fast observed by married Hindu women; these women offer prayers seeking the prosperity, welfare and longevity of their spouses.
Kashi Yatra
In wedding ceremonies of South India, this term refers to a mock pilgrimage that's considered a sacred ritual.
Kohvar
Decorated bridal bed.
Kumar pet ka bhaat
A traditional ritual in which the mother of the would be bride gives food to her daughter.
Kuvardhoti
A traditional gift presented to the newly married bride by her in-laws.
L
Laadi
Bride.
Laaja- havan
A ritual in which the bride's maternal uncle puts on her a toe ring.
Ladis
Rows.
Lagan
The actual marriage ceremony.
Lagan mahurat
The auspicious point of time within which the wedding ceremony should be started.
Lajahom
Sacrifice that's offered during a wedding ceremony to the sacred fire.
Laung
An ornament worn on the nose.
Lava Chidakna
The seven sacred steps around the sacred fire which the couple takes during their nuptials.
M
Maala
Garlands.
Maang
A hair-parting made by the women for applying vermillion.
Maanziraat
A marriage ritual where the bride's hands are decorated with mehendi.
Magha
One of the Hindu months.
Magni
Engagement.
Mahurat
The exact time within which the wedding has to commence.
Maika
The bride's paternal home.
Mala Badal
A Bengali ritual where the groom and the bride exchange their garlands.
Manamal
A golden thread that's tied to the foreheads of the groom and the bride.
Mandap
The place where the marriage rituals take place.
Mangal Ghot
A small pot used to store sacred water.
Mangal Sutra
Mangal refers to auspiciousness and Sutra means thread. Mangal Sutra is an ornament worn by married women that's made of a yellow thread and strings having black beads.
Manglik
A special condition in one's horoscope.
Mantra
Chanting particular hymns.
Matha Tekna
Bowing down to elders thereby seeking their blessings.
Mauli
A sacred thread that is red in color.
Maulvi
An Islamic word that refers to a cleric.
Mehandi
Designs for the hands as well as the feet.
Meher
Dowry paid by the groom's family to the bride's family during the nuptials.
Milni
Welcoming of the groom, his family and relatives at the home of the bride.
Minji
A ritual in which the groom's toe is adorned with rings.
Mithai
Sweets.
Mooh Dikhai ki Rasam
A ritual of introducing the newly wed bride to the relatives and friends of the groom.
Moti ki Sehra
Groom's veil made of pearls.
Murthasaese
An event where the family members bless the newly married couple.
N
Naandi
A pre wedding pooja where the bride as well as the groom are given a traditional bath.
Nagoli vasthra
A ritual where the new son-in- law is welcomed by the bride's family.
Nai Badya
A special worship to invoke the divine powers.
Nalagu
Nuptials.
Namaskaram
Paying respect to the senior members of the family who in turn bless the newly wed couple.
Narivan
A sacred necklace built of threads of cotton that are multi colored.
Nariyal
Coconut, an essential ingredient for most of the Indian weddings.
Nath
A special ornament meant for the nose that's worn by the brides.
Navagraha Pooja
A special ritual for appeasing the divine power of the universe's nine planets.
Nikaah
A Muslim wedding where the bride as well as the groom sign a contract.
Nikasi
A ritual after which the groom departs for the marriage venue.
O
Oonjal
Exchange of garlands between the groom and the bride.
P
Paath
Special prayers which are chanted during the wedding ceremony.
Panchang
A Hindu almanac which is used to find auspicious wedding dates by most of the communities of India.
Pandit
A Hindu priest
Patrika
A marriage contract applicable for Hindus.
Phool Sajja
The marriage bed adorned with flowers; the term is generally used for Bengali weddings.
Poojari
The chief priest at a Hindu marriage ceremony.
Pradhishanam
The three rounds made around the wedding mandap by the bride holding the groom's hands.
Puhiyaapla
A term associated with Muslim weddings; it stands for a newly married man.
Q
Quwwali
A special musical performance during Muslim weddings.
Qoran or Koran
The sacred book of Muslims.
R
Reception
A special dinner to commemorate the wedding ceremony.
Rumalla Sahib
Refers to the four segments of cloth that's used to wrap the Holy Book.
S
Saali
Wife's sister or Sister-in-law.
Sacrament
An important religious ritual.
Sadaya
An exceptional treat served during the wedding.
Saagai
Engagement ceremony.
Samooha Vivaham
Multiple weddings that take place at the same location.
Sangeet
A special ceremony preceding the wedding.
Shagan
The ceremonial engagement of Sikhs.
Sindhooram
A mark of vermillion on the forehead of the newly wed bride that stands for her married status.
Sthreedhanam
Dowry.
T
Tanchoi
A special fabric that's used to make saris.
Tangail
A special cotton fabric, found mainly in West Bengal; it is utilized for making saris as well as other handlooms.
Tappas
A repertoire of marriage songs.
Tattava
A Bengali ceremony in which intricate gifts are exchanged between the bride's and the groom's families.
Thaali
A special sacred necklace that the bridegroom puts on the bride.
Thaalikettu
The ceremony where the Thaali is put on the head of the bride.
U
Uptaan
In this ceremony, the would be bride is dolled up with a turmeric paste.
Urdha-morthu
A special, religious rite where lentils are grinded.
Uroos
This term stands for a Muslim bride.
V
Vaana
A formal commitment.
Vadava Vanu
A ceremony where the newly wed bride is sent away to her spouse's home.
Vadhu pravesh
A ceremony which is followed by the bride's entrance into her husband's home.
Vag
Gold strings.
Valeena
A Muslim marriage reception.
Valima
An Islamic marriage reception.
Vanwa
A traditional oil ceremony.
Var ponke
A ceremony held at the bride's home to welcome the groom.
Vara pooja
A pooja arranged in honor of the groom.
Varmaala
Wedding garlands.
Varghodo
The procession which reaches the marriage venue along with the groom.
Variv
In Kashmiri language, it's the husband's home.
Varova
A special ritual which occurs 8 days after the marriage ceremony.
Vidai
The event following which the bride departs her paternal home and goes to her husband's home.
Vivaha
The actual wedding ceremony.
Vivaha Hawan
The holy fire around which a wedding takes place.
Vridhdhi
A Bengali ritual where respect is paid to the dead ancestors of the groom's and the bride's families.
W
Wachuns
Traditional songs, sung during Kashmiri marriages.
Wadio
A unique neck ornament.
Wari
Gifts which are offered by the groom's house to the bride during the marriage ceremony.
Y
Yedur Kansani
An event where women from both the families meet and exchange compliments.
Yegnopavit
A ceremony where the groom wears the holy thread which is an essential thing to be worn by all Brahmin men.
Yoni
A term that denotes the origin or source.
Z
Zang
A gift which is offered as a good omen.
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