A wedding has many moving parts, and the pandit's ceremony is the one the whole family is watching. A pandit who follows your family's traditions leads the sequence, so you can be present for the moment.
Why it is done
Vivah is the Hindu wedding samskara. In many traditions it includes worship of Ganesh, kanyadaan, a sacred fire, the saptapadi (seven steps) and other rites. The order and the customs differ widely by region, community and family.
Who it is for
Couples and families planning a Hindu wedding; destination weddings; families wanting a shorter or fuller ceremony; couples who want their customs explained for guests.
When to do it
The wedding date is usually fixed with a muhurat from the panchang, often with the help of the family's astrologer or priest. Your pandit can suggest options. Follow your family's custom.
Choose your ceremony
About 3 hours for the standard ceremony; about 4.5 hours for the extended one.
- Standard: The standard ceremony: the core wedding ritual with ganesh pooja, kanyadaan, agni sthapana, havan and pheras. About 3 hours, 24 vidhi steps, led by one pandit.
- Extended: The extended ceremony: a fuller wedding ritual with many more steps, more mantras and more time for the family rites, with one pandit. About 4.5 hours, 36 vidhi steps, led by one pandit.
Choose the standard for a shorter ceremony that keeps the core rites. Choose the extended ceremony if your families follow the fuller sequence with more rituals. Share your family's customs with the pandit.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself, and ask the pandit for the list in advance.
Video option
Vivah is best done with the pandit present in person, so video is not offered for it.
The sequence
- Pavitrikaran and achaman
- Ganesh pooja and sankalp
- Punyahavachana and kalash
- Welcome and worship of the groom (var puja)
- Kanyadaan
- Agni sthapana and havan
- Pheras or saptapadi, as per your tradition
- Sindoor, mangalsutra or equivalent rites
- Blessings from elders and aarti
How to prepare
- Share your community, region and family customs with the pandit well in advance
- Confirm the wedding date and muhurat
- Arrange the mandap with space for the fire, as per venue rules
- Brief family members on their roles, such as who gives away the bride
- Keep samagri and items for family rituals ready, as per custom
- Decide whether you will use pandit-provided samagri or your own
Who should attend
The couple, their parents and close family. Guests are welcome as witnesses, and elders traditionally give their blessings at the end.
Your tradition
Wedding customs differ hugely, including pheras vs saptapadi, the sequence of rites, regional rites such as koch bharan, and the language of the mantras. Tell us your tradition when booking.
Safety
The ceremony involves a sacred fire. Keep the kund on a stable heat-safe base, away from decor, drapes and flowers, and keep water nearby. Follow venue rules on open flames.
Questions
How long should I plan for? About 3 hours for the standard ceremony and about 4.5 hours for the extended one, plus time for family rites.
Can the ceremony follow our community's customs? Share them when booking and the pandit will follow them where possible.
Can the ceremony be explained to guests? Many pandits offer a short explanation of the rites. Ask when you book.
Can the pandit come to the venue? Yes, for weddings in Delhi NCR and destination venues. Share the venue and the date.