India is a land of diverse culture and religion. Every region of the country has its own unique way of celebrating their marriage. Be it east, west, north and south all the four regions have its own wedding customs and rituals. Marriages in India are not just coming together of two individuals and exchange of vows and rings, but it marks the bonding of two souls, two families, their culture and their communities. Indian wedding is not an affair of few hours but it is a matter of several eventful days. All the family members and friends get together for the celebration.

It is said that marriages are made in heaven but celebrated in country like India. The marriage rituals and customs unfold different stories behind it. Condensed over centuries of cultural admixture, Indian weddings showcase the rich culture and tradition of India. The practices of Indian wedding are different according to the particular region. There are various rituals with which you can associate an Indian wedding. The wedding celebration is divided into three parts pre wedding, main day and post wedding. The pre wedding rituals vary according to the region. But the ceremony of mehendi is prevalent more or less in every caste and region. The ceremony of mehendi is celebrated mostly at bride's place where female friends and relatives of the bride gather to put henna on bride's feet and hand. Among the other rituals garland ceremony is the most popular rituals, which is celebrated more or less in every part of the country. On this occasion the bride and the groom garland each other as a sign of mutual acceptance. On the main wedding day a wedding altar or mandapa is built on the wedding venue within which the marriage is conducted. The rituals, which were performed on that day is totally based on the regional customs and traditions. The ritual of putting sindoor or vermilion powder in the parting of the bride's hair by the groom is the ritual followed mostly in the northern and eastern part of the country. Rituals like kanyadaan, vidaii, tying of mangal sutra around the bride's neck, saptapadi (seven steps), in which the couple moves seven times together around the fire exchanging the wedding vows, here fire acts as a witness of their marriage. These are some of the common rituals practiced in all the castes.

The wedding rituals were initially simple and easy to follow but nowadays it has become more complicated due to unnecessary customs like dowry. The custom of dowry is mostly prevalent in the marriages in villages. In educated and high society families dowry system is not seen so much. But whatever may be the rituals and customs the actual essence behind all wedding celebration is the union of two souls, two families and two communities. And that makes Indian wedding an unique celebration of culture and tradition.