In Hindu culture, marriage ceremony is based on the Vedas, sacred scriptures traced back to between 3000-5000 BC. A Hindu marriage is considered to be a mental, physical and spiritual union of two souls who are no longer independent beings, but one integrated personality united to complement one another. Jos and Mamta's wedding ceremony will be performed in Sanskrit, the world's most ancient living language, and will be explained in English. The Hindu marriage, known as Vivah Sanskar, is a holy act signifying the entry of a man and a woman into Grihasthashram, which is the phase of life devoted to duties of family and society.

The ceremony itself takes place under a decorated mandap, or canopy. The holy fire acts as divine witness to the couple's union. The following substances have ritual meaning in the cermony: Coconut, Flowers, Ghee (clarified butter), Rice, Samagiri (fragrant herbs) and Kumkum (vermillion).

Madhuparka -- Reception of the Groom and His Family

Jos is escorted to the wedding altar by his family and friends. The bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Motwani welcome Jos by offering a coconut and by placing a tilak made of a saffron and rice on his forehead. The tilak symbolizes reverence for the human intellect, which is said to reside in the third eye. The greeting symbolizes the happiness and joy from the joining of the two families.

Ganesh Puja -- Worshipping of Lord Ganesh

The Pandit ji, (the Hindu Priest) begins the ceremony with a prayer to Lord Ganesh, who removes obstacles and imparts wisdom. All auspicious Hindu ceremonies begin with an invocation to Lord Ganesha for success in the undertaking and for good luck. The puja performed by Pandit Ji and family asks Lord Ganesha to bless the ceremony and fill the marital union with harmony and prosperity.

Kanya Aagaman -- Arrival of the Bride

Mamta is escorted to the marriage altar by her sisters and friends and Joins Jos.

Jaimala -- Exchange of Garlands

Jos and Mamta exchange floral garlands, signifying their acceptance of each other as lifelong partners. Pandit ji recites marriage hymns with relatives and freinds to bless the couple. Jos and Mamta are escorted to the mandap and the ceremony is started by chanting the Mantras.

Kanyadanam -- Giving away of the Bride

The bride's parents offer their daughter's hand in marriage to the bridegroom and his family by a symbolic gesture of water flowing from the parents' hands to the bride's hands and onto the bridegroom's hands to symbolize the life cycle.

Akshata Ropam -- Vows and Aspirations

Jos recites vows regarding his responsibilities towards Mamta and her family. Jos and Mamta in turn express their aspirations in marriage. They sprinkle rice on each other to express concurrence.

Mangalsutra -- Wedding Necklace

Jos places a Mangalsutra (gold and black beaded necklace) around Mamta's neck as a symbol of marriage. The Mangalsutra symbolizes good luck, love and friendship.

Sindoor - Daan -- Red Powder (kumkum)

Jos places Sindoor (vermilion powder) along the parting of Mamta's hair. From this moment on they are husband and wife. Now as newlyweds, they offer sweets to each other and to the guests signifying that they will share everything in life.

Panigrahan -- Taking the Hand of the Bride

Jos takes Mamta's hand in his and declares in the presence of all gathered that they promise to remain devoted to each other in every way for the rest of their lives.

Vivah Homam -- Propitiation of the Sacred Fire

The wedding is solemnized in front of Agni (sacred fire). Agni is the symbol of light, energy and purity, which serves as the principal witness to the ceremony. Samagri, a product made up of a variety of fragrant herbs and Ghee (clarified butter) are offered in the fire with the prayers to the Gods of the Hindu pantheon.

Gath Bandhan -- Tying the Knot

To symbolize their unity in the eternal bond of marriage.

Mangal Fera -- Holy Steps around the Fire

The couple walks around the fire four times. Each phera (circle) is initiated by the bride's brother who fills her hands with rice to offer as a blessing for good health and prosperity. With each phera, Jos and Mamta aspire to reach four goals of human existence: Dharma - the moral sense to lead a good life; Artha - wealth and prosperity to contribute to society; Kama - energy and passion in conjugal life; and Moksha - fulfillment of the ultimate purpose of human existence. The groom leads during the first three pheras representing his responsibilities for Dharma, Artha and Kama. The bride leads the last phera representing her role in ultimate fulfillment of their life.

Septapadi -- Seven Steps

The bride and bridegroom take seven steps together which are symbolic of their journey in life. The couple takes the following vows:

We shall cherish each other for eternity.

We shall offer support, comfort, companionship, and humor in times of trial.

Our responsibilities will continue towards each other's family and our children.

We will provide a source of pleasure, hope, and caring for each other.

We will help each other grow in mind, body, and soul.

We denounce any singular ownership in material possessions, and declare a unified status.

We will care for each other in sickness and health.

We vow eternal love and friendship to each other.

Ashirwad -- Blessings

The ceremony concludes with the newlyweds offering respect to Pandit ji, their parents, relatives and friends, thereby receiving blessings for a long and happy life together. Family and friends shower the couple with flower petals.

Vidaai -- Farewell to the Bride

As the bride departs with the groom to begin her new life as a married woman, she throws a handful of rice in to the air behind her as a gesture to assure that the house of her childhood will remain joyous and prosperous.