A progressive community, their girls are often married off with no expectations of wealth from the in-laws side.  This is called "kanku-kanya," meaning that the bride is welcome only with a vermilion mark on her forehead.

One ceremony which forms an integral part of any Brahmin wedding is the 'mosaalu,' wherein the bridge's 'mama' or maternal uncle brings the 'choodo' (ivory bangle - now repalced with arcrylic or plastic), 'paanetar' (silk wedding sari usually white with red border) and a colorful basket containing gifts for his niece one day before the wedding.

Brahmin marriages are very colorful and the traditional Gujarati folk dance called the 'Garba' forms an integral part of the celebrations.

Some important rituals

Chandlo:  Acceptance of the alliance

The 'chandlo' (applying the vermilion mark on the forehead) announces the acceptance of the alliance between the two families.  This ceremony is usually observed after the matrimonial alliance is fixed but before the wedding date is fixed.  A priest or 'pujari' officiates at this ceremony and blesses the couple by applying the 'chandlo' on their foreheads.  The couple then exchanges garlands and the families exchange gifts given for the bride and groom.

Ganesh Sthapan / Ganesh Matli:  Commencement of all marriage rituals

The Ganesh 'puja' signals the start of all the festivities.  The 'Ganesh Sthapan' is a small family function wherein the priest invokes the blessings of Lord Ganesha.  The 'puja' is performed in both homes by the paternal aunts or 'phois'.  In return for their efforts the 'phois' receive lavish gifts.

Garba:  Traditional Gujarati Dance

The 'Garba Raas", a graceful Gujarati folk dance captures the essence of celebration and is performed in large circles by women singing and dancing to the beat of the 'dhol' (drum).  The men join in for the 'dandia raas', a rythmic dance performed with sticks or 'dandias'.  The Garba is normally held after 8 p.m. until midnight.

Pithi:  Beautification Rituals

The 'pithi' ceremony is performed simultaneously in both homes and prepares the bride and groom for the nuptuals.  A paste called 'pithi' made of sandalwood powder, turmeric, herbs, aromatic oils and rose water is prepared and applied on the faces, arms and legs of the bride by members of her family.

The groom undergoes a similar ritual in his home.

Mandva Mahurat & Griha Shanti:  Constructing the canopy for the wedding rites

This ceremony bears a deep religious significance because the parents of the couple seek the blessings of Mother Earth and ask permission to commence with the digging of the soil to errect the 'mandva' or 'mandap' (platform erected for teh wedding rites covered with a canopy).  A priest conducts the ceremony where a pole is erected to symbolize the consecration of the 'mandva'.  'Griha Shanti', a ceremony conducted to seek the blessing of all the nine planets, immediately follows the 'mandva mahurat'.

Mosaalu:  The bride receives gifts from her maternal uncle

The custom of 'mosaalu' originated centuries ago when there were no legal rights existing for daughters.  It was customary for the parents to start making provisions for their daughter by gifting her with things on occasions like 'rakshabandhan' or 'bhaibheej'.  these gifts accumulated as 'streedhan' (daughter's wealth).

When the girl grows up and gets married the 'mama' or maternal uncle comes with the 'mosaalu' consisting of clothes, jewellery and other gift items including the traditional 'paanetar' (silk wedding sari - usually white with red border) and 'choodo' (ivory bangle - now replaced with acrylic or plastic).  the 'mosaalu' ceremony takes place one day before the wedding.

Lagna:  The wedding ceremony

The 'lagna' or wedding ceremony is broken up into the following segments:

Varghodo:  Groom's procession

The groom, dressed in all his finery and accompanied by his close friends and family proceeds to the brides home in a decorated car.  Here, the modern day vehicle has replaced the traditional mare!  The groom's sister is his constant companion and keeps jingling the 'looni' (small steel bowl filled with nuts) near his ear all throughout the procession!  This is to keep him alert about everything that is happening around him.  on disembarking at the wedding venue the groom is greeted by the bride's family and accorded the traditional 'aarti' welcome.

Varmala:  The couple exchange garlands

The groom is welcomed by the bride's mother with an 'aarti' and pookhana' (4 small sticks).  The bride is then escorted to welcome the groom and proceeds to garland him and he reciprocates.  The groom is then led to the wedding 'mandap' while the bride returns to her room.  The priest begins the wedding rites with the bride's parents seated around the sacred fire.

Mangalastak:  Verses glorifying Lord Ganesha and asking for the well being of the couple

Gujarat is the home of the Naagars but many Naagar familes are settled in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Punjab.  These are a series of four lined verses with wight stanzas glorifying Lord Ganesha.  The singing of the 'mangalastak' is a very distinct feature of marriages in the Naagar Brahmin community.

Kanyadaan:  Giving away the bride

before the 'kanyadaan' can begin the bride's parents renew their own marriage vows.  The bride is then led into the 'mandap' by her 'mama' or maternal uncle.  She is seated opposite the groom on a 'paatia' or 'aasan' (low stool) and her parents perform the 'kanyadaan' ceremony by placing her hands into those of the groom's.

Hasthamilap:  Tying of the marital knot

The bride and groom's hands are tied with a cloth in a symbolic marital knot and they take vows to honor their commitment to each other.

Pheras:  Seven steps around the sacred fire

Also known as 'saptapadi', the 'pheras' are performed immediately after the 'hasthamilap' ceremony.  Here, the bride and groom walk around the sacred fire seven times repeating their marital vows.  At the beginning of each 'parikrama' or circumvention, a vow is taken.  The couple is then proclaimed man and wife and the ceremony is completed with the groom tying the 'mangalsutra' on the bride.

The couple then leaves the 'mandap' to seek the blessings of the elders of both families by touching their feet.

Vidai:  Bridal send off

After the 'lagna', the bride leaves her parental home in a 'doli' or palanquin.  These days a decorated car usually replaces the palanquin.  A ceremony wrought with emotion it is symbolic of teh severing of the bridge's rights in her parent's home as she now belongs to her 'sasural' (in-laws home).  As she leaves, her brother presents her with a shawl, which is worn by her for the journey.

Before leaving for the marital home, the bride and groom apply wet 'kumkum' (vermilion) on their palms and put their imprints on the outside wall of the house or near the 'Ganesha Sthapan'.  it is important to conduct the 'vidai' ceremony at an auspicious time.

Reception:  Post wedding celebrations

Through a Western concept, the reception has become an integral part of most Indian marriages.  The couple's parents host a lavish banquet for  their families and friends wherein the bride and groom re introduced as a married couple and are congratulated by all.  The reception is usually held in a hotel or a marriage hall.