PRE EVENTS
Khol Barana is the beginning of the Jain wedding ceremonies. Customarily, one side of the couple’s family gifts a silver plate with coconut and cash as a Shagun (meaning “Good Time” in Sanskrit and signifies the giving of gifts for any auspicious occasion).
Lagna Lekhan is the deciding of the auspicious date and time of the couple’s wedding. This is traditionally done following the Puja (a worship ritual performed by Hindus). The method for selecting the auspicious date can be by the couple’s date of birth, names, or horoscopes.
Lagna Patrika Vachan is a ceremony unique to Jain people. Typically a letter is drafted that includes the decided auspicious date and is traditionally sent to the one member of the couple’s family. This letter is read surrounded by close relatives following an intimate Puja.
Sagai is the engagement ceremony for the Jain community. The marriage is announced through a tilak (colored powder or paste worn on the forehead). The couple’s families meet and exchange gifts and sweets along with a Tilak ceremony.
Mehndi is the art or practice of painting elaborate patterns on the skin with henna. This is performed by the women of the family gathering to apply Mehndi on the couple.
WEDDING DAY
The Mada Mandap is the ritual of sanctifying the Mandap where the wedding will be held.
Ghudchadi is the ceremony where the Barat is initiated on the horse (traditionally by the one member of the couple). Family members tighten the headgear and apply tilak on the rider’s forehead before the Procession begins.
Barati (per Jain rituals) is the procession by one side of the couple’s family. A welcome gift is typically presented consisting of coconuts, sweets, clothing. A traditional folk song is sung by married family and tilak is applied.
Kanyavaran: The tradition of parent’s giving away their child. Traditionally, the parent’s one member of the couple present the other to make a declaration. The partner being offered away will take their hand with a rupee, a quarter, and some rice) as the pundit chants the mantras.
Granthi Bandhan is the ritual in which a member of the family ties the ends of the couple’s clothes.
Pheras is similar to the Hindu tradition of the couple taking seven rounds around the fire and take their wedding vows.
Bidaii is the tradition of the family members bidding farewell to the couple.
POST EVENTS
Sva Graha Aagamana is where the new member of the couple is received and welcomed to their in-laws’ house with rituals that may vary according to region. After, a ritual follows where the couple visits a Jain temple and distributes money or food to the poor.
Wedding Reception an event to celebrate the newly married couple. A celebration with food and drink and lots of entertainment takes place.