The Dhaarmik Traditions - Indic Studies Foundation

• the first step to nourish each other
• the second step to grow together in strength
• the third step to preserve our wealth
• the fourth step to share our joys and sorrows
• the fifth step to care for our children
• the sixth step to be together forever
• the seventh step to remain lifelong friends,
the perfect halves to make a perfect whole. After the seventh step he makes her
remain where she is and says: "With seven steps we become friends. Let me reach
your friendship. Let me not be severed from your friendship. Let your friendship not
be severed from me." The Saptapadi ceremony concludes with a prayer that the
union is indissoluble. At the end of this ceremony, the bridegroom and bride
become husband and wife. In some communities such as Gujarati, instead of
seven, only four steps, signifying Artha, Dharma, Kama and Moksha are taken.
According to Indian Civil Law, this ,the taking of the 7 th step signifies the defining
moment of a Hindu marriage
Suhaag or Sindhoordana
The groom places sindhoor (red powder) on the bride's hair symbolizing her as a
married woman.
Post-Marriage Game Playing
There are several regional variations to this ceremony.
Aeki-Beki
In the groom’s house a game called aeki-beki is played, by placing a ring and
several coins in a tray of water which is colored by vermilion and milk. It is said
that the person who finds the ring four times, will rule the house
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