Take a Sneak Peek into a Jain wedding

The Jain sect in India follows the Sramana traditions laid down by the 24 Tirthankars, the Gurus who propagated the religion. Generally, into their own business, Jains are a close-knit community that believes in simple living. Spread in India and abroad, several matrimonial services can help Jain boys and girls find the right life partner.

A Jain wedding though simple involves extensive and ornate rituals. These rituals are followed according to the ‘Vivah Vidhi’ mentioned in the religious scriptures. The dowry system is taboo in the Jain community. Jainism has two main sects-Digambars and Shwetambars and barring a few, both have similar rituals in marriage.

Pre-wedding festivities include ‘Khol Bharna,’ Tikka, Lagna Lekhan, and Lagna Vachan. The wedding celebrations start with the ‘Ganesh Staphna’, where Lord Ganesha is worshipped to ensure the wedding completes without obstacles. Then, a day before the wedding, the Mehendi ceremony takes place where the bride, groom, friends, and relatives apply beautiful henna designs on their hands. Jain weddings now also have a Sangeet ceremony where friends and relatives sing, dance, and enjoy mouthwatering food.

The ‘Bana Betai’ is similar to a traditional Haldi ceremony. However, instead of applying turmeric, a paste of chickpeas is applied to the bride and groom. The ritual of ‘Maada Mandap’ is done on the wedding day. A small Pooja is also done at the wedding site.

The relatives and friends of the groom assemble to go to the bride’s house, which is known as the baraat. The groom rides a horse, and this custom is known as ‘Ghudchadi.’ The ‘varmala’ or exchanging of garlands also takes place in a few Jain families. After this, ‘Kanyavaran’ is done where the bride’s parents give her hand to the groom along with one rupee and twenty-five paise and rice.

Finally, ‘Granthi Bandhan’ or tying the bride and groom’s clothes ends is done before the ‘pheras’ occur. In the pheras, the to-be-married couple circles the sacred fire seven times. Then, the priest sings the ‘Mahaveer strot’ and explains the seven vows of a wedding.

The wedding ends with the ‘Vidaai’ where the groom takes his newly-wedded wife from her father’s house to his house.

Wedgate Matrimony is one of the leading Jain matrimonial services in Delhi. It has been successful in finding a perfect match for lakhs of people. With a huge database of prospective brides and grooms, it is not difficult to find one’s soulmate!

Take a Sneak Peek into a Jain wedding

Frequently Ask Question 

Q1: What sets Jain weddings apart?
A: Jain weddings are known for simplicity, spirituality, and adherence to Jain principles.

Q2: Key pre-wedding rituals?
A: Laghana Lekhan (setting the wedding date) and Mada Mandap (altar construction).

Q3: Significance of the Baraat?
A: A joyous procession symbolizing the union of families.

Q4: Unique aspect of Jain wedding food?
A: Strictly vegetarian menu following Jain dietary principles.

Q5: Distinct Jain wedding attire?
A: Emphasis on simplicity, with brides in white/off-white sarees and grooms in traditional attire.

Q6: Incorporating charity in Jain weddings?
A: Charitable acts like feeding the less fortunate aligning with Jain principles.

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