I had such an amazing time shooting Claire and Kameel Hindu/Scottish wedding, so many colours and traditions. Here are a few
Jaan - arrival of the groom
Kameel arrives at The Byre at Incyra accompanied by his family and friends in a large procession filled with music dancing and laughter.
Ponkhanu - Receiving the groom
Claire's family welcomes Kameel and his family at the main entrance. Claire's Mum will mark Kameels head with mum mum ( red powder) He then breaks the sampan placed in his path. This symbolises his willingness to overcome any obstacles the couple may face, Kameel is then led to the man dap where the wedding ceremony will take place.
Kanya Aagman - Arrival of the bride
Claire's Dad will accompany her down the aisle to the man dap. Claire and Kameel will exchange flowers and garlands signifying their choice and acceptance of each other as partners.
Ganesh Pooja - Prayer to Lord Ganesh
The ceremony begins with a prayer top Lord Ganesh- the remover of all obstacles and the symbol of peace, friendship and happiness.
Kanyadaan - Exchange of hands
Claire's parents honour Kameel by offering him a sweet drink. This act is symbolic of the sweetness and joy that will be part of Claire and Kameel's life together. Claire's parents then formally give her hand in marriage to Kameel.
Hasta Melap - Tying the knot
Kameels sister, ties the end of each of their scarves together , symbolising the bond of marriage.
Varmala - Cotton garland
An auspicious cotton garland is tied around the shoulders of Claire and Kameel symbolising their spiritual bond.
Mangal Phera - Circling the sacred fire
The haven ritual begins with the lighting of the Agni (the sacred fire). The Agni stands as the divine witness to the wedding ceremony. Claire and Kameel circle the fire four times seeking the four basic goals of human life.
Dharma - living a life of joy and happiness
Artha - having a sense of meaning, purpose or goal
Kama - energy and passion in life
Moksha - detachment from worldly things and attainment of the state of completeness
Saptapadi - Seven steps/ vows
This is the most important rite of the whole ceremony. Claire and Kameel take seven steps together - each signifies a different aspect of marriage that they hope to uphold together with the final goal of being true companions and remaining life long partners.
Mangalsutra / Sindoor - Grooms promise
Kameel blesses Claire by putting indoor (red powder) on her forehead and giving her a mangalsutra ( sacred marriage bracelet) followed by the exchange of wedding rings.
Kansar - First meal together
The newly married couple share their first meal together by offering sweets to each other.
Akhand Saubhagyavati - Wedding blessings
Married woman from both sides of the family wish Claie and Kameel a happy married life.
Ashirwad - Blessings
Claire and Kameel are blessed by their priest and parents.
Claire and Kameel change into traditional Scottish attire for the evening.
Party time.
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