The Dhaarmik Traditions - Indic Studies Foundation

Kanya Daanam (Giving Away of the Daughter)
The bride accepts her change of status from an unmarried woman to a wife by
spreading turmeric powder on her hands. Kanya Danam is performed by the father (or
uncle of guardian) of the bride in presence of a large gathering that is invited to
witness the wedding. The father pours out a libation of sacred water symbolizing the
giving away of the daughter to the bridegroom. The groom recites Vedic hymns to
Kama, the God of love, for pure love and blessings. As a condition for offering his
daughter for marriage, the father of the bride requests a promise from the groom for
assisting the bride in realizing the three ends : dharma, artha, and kama. The groom
makes the promise by repeating three times that he will not fail the bride in realizing
dharma, artha and kama.
Paanigrahana or Hasta Milap (Holding the Hand)
The bridegroom stands facing west and the bride sits in front of him facing east. He
seizes her hand and recites Vedic hymns for happiness, long life, and a lifelong
relationship When the Bridegroom Takes the Bride's Hand, He Says : "O Sarasvati,
gracious one, rich in off spring, you whom we hymm first of all the Gods, may you
prosper this marriage. "I seize your hand."
Maangalyadhaaranam (Tying the mangalsutra) OR Mangal Sutra DhArana
The Mangala sutra DhArana is the tying of the thread containing the marks of the
Vishnu or Shiva in the neck of the bride by the groom.
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